Celebrating the Life of Pastor Ira White;
A Servant of Jesus Christ
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. This scripture epitomizes the Life of Ira White a humble servant of God, Pastor of The Full Gospel Tabernacle Church. Pastor White transitioned this life on December 14, 2013
Ira White was born on February 21, 1942 in Alma, Georgia to the late Benjamin James White
and Roberta Holland-White. He was the 18th child of 21 children. Ira was a graduate of Lee Street High
School in Blackshear, Georgia where he met the love of his life, Hattie Mae Smiley.
Ira migrated to Rochester, New York in August 1963 where he began working for The Monroe
Forging Company and later Eastman Kodak Company.
Shortly after relocating to Rochester, he joined Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church under the
leadership of Reverend Beaman. While there he worked in the capacity of Jr. Superintendent and Jr.
Deacon. In 1965 he walked into a revival at The Full Gospel Fellowship Church where he was saved
and filled with the Holy Spirit. After joining Full Gospel Fellowship he became Jr. Deacon, Assistant
Sunday School Superintendent, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Church Financial Secretary. He was
appointed and ordained to the Board of Deacons in 1967 and remained faithfully until he was divinely
called into the ministry in November 1982. In 1983, Reverend White was installed as the Pastor of The
Full Gospel Fellowship which later became Full Gospel Tabernacle Church, where he continue to pastor
until his departure.
Pastor White’s vision for Full Gospel Tabernacle was to build a “Dwelling Place Unto God.” In
1995 the vision was realized and FGT march from their temporary home on Oregon Street to the new
edifice at 614 Clifford Avenue.
Pastor White’s ministry carried him to many places throughout the community. He was involved
with the Interfaith Campus Ministries at State University of New York College at Brockport. He served
as a Member of the Rochester Police Department Clergy Response Team. Additionally, he worked with
the Rochester Police Department Gun Buy Back Program in an effort to reduce violence in the City of
Rochester. Pastor was an Advisor in the Upstate New York Prison Outreach Ministry. He was a
Charter member of the Faith Community Alliance where he chaired the Education Committee. Pastor
White was instrumental in organizing transportation for the Rochester City School District Kids
Basketball Association. He worked tirelessly with the Alphonse-Bernard Block Club in support of their
many endeavors. He also Co-Chair The National Black Commission on AIDS Rochester Chapter.
Pastor White’s passion for service to people was evident in his multiple affiliations with community
based organizations.
Pastor White was preceded in death by 17 brothers and sisters.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 50 years Hattie. Their daughters, Vickie White,
Irene White, Doris White-Singletary (Dennis), Sara White-Smith and Amaris “Tippy” Hood. Six
grandchildren, Bradley Gissendanner (Shannon); Jonathan Leon-Smith; Jessica Smith; William Hood,
Jr. Ja’Nelle Smith, Miles Hood and two great grandchildren, Sy’Mone and Sa’Vion Gissendanner.; two
brothers, Willie J White (Elizabeth); George White, One sister Geraldine Grant who is married to his
long-time friend Ulysses Grant. A host of nieces, nephews and friends, and the members of the Full
Gospel Tabernacle Church.