SHIRLEY HOLTZMANN WHITE
Shirley Holtzmann White was born in Warren County, NC on April 9,
1938, to Arnold Philip and Edith Hering Holtzmann. She was raised on the farm in
the Ridgeway Community with her siblings-one sister and three brothers. She was
baptized, confirmed, and married in St. Paul's Lutheran Church where she serves as
choir director and Sunday School Teacher. She is also active in the Lutheran
Women's Missionary League (LWML). She graduated from Norlina High School
in 1956 as valedictorian, from The Woman's College of The University of North
Carolina (WCUNC), now UNC-G, in Greensboro, NC with a Bachelor of Arts in
Primary Education in 1960, and a Master of Arts in Education (Supervision and
Curriculum with Principal's Certification) from East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, NC in
1980. In 1970, she earned her Early Childhood Education Certification through Warren County
Schools/UNC and Reading Certification in 1976 through Warren County Schools/Western Carolina. She
is a Lifetime Member of The Alumni Association of UNC-G.
After graduating from college, Shirley returned to Warren County and began her career in March
1961 as a sixth grade teacher at John Graham High School. In the fall, she went to Norlina High School
where she taught first and second grades. After that, she was transferred to Northside Elementary School
where she taught first grade. Next, she served as an ESEA Title 1Vc Projector Director and then as a
reading teacher at Mariam Boyd Elementary School. Her last assignments were serving as principal at
Vaughan Elementary School and Mariam Boyd Elementary School where she ended her career with
thirty-five years of service in Warren County Schools. She retired in 1998.
During her tenure with Warren County Schools, Shirley served as president of the ACT/NCAE
organizations, as president and treasurer of the local Principal's Association and was chosen Principal of
the Year, as well as serving on the Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholarship Committee. As a member of the
Norlina Junior Woman's Club, she was chosen Club Woman of the Year in 1967. Additionally, she
served on the Warren County Board of Health for nine years and on the Home Health Advisory Board for
six years. The Warren County Chamber of Commerce honored her with the 2010 Women of
Achievement in Education Award in appreciation of her dedication and hard work to promote and
improve education.
Shirley joined Xi Chapter on October 3, 1970 and served as president, 1976-1978, and as
communications chairman, 1982-1983, as well as serving on various committees. She became a charter
member of Gamma Chi Chapter on May 7, 1983 and has served as treasurer since that date; Chairman of
the Finance Committee, 1983-2004; and Chairman of Remembrance Committee, 1983-present. She has
served on the Finance Committee, 1983-present; Scholarship Committee 1983-present; Planning
Committee 1983-present; Executive Board, 1983-present; Awards Committee, 2012-present; and Afghan
(fundraiser) Committee, 2012-present. She recommended contributing books and monetary donations to
local libraries as part of our literacy project, recommended honorariums and memorials to raise money for
the Scholarship Fund, and recommended the chapter pay state and international dues for those who are in
a financial bind. Shirley keeps up with reserve members through phone calls, cards, and visits. She has
attended various regional meetings, conferences, workshops, Executive Board Meetings, Eta State
Conventions, the International Convention in New York, 2012, and the Southeast Regional Conference in
Kissimmee, Florida, 2013. She treasures her membership and cherishes the fellowship with her Gamma
Chi Sisters.
Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Hal White, Jr., November 27, 1959. They have three
children: a daughter, Debra Clayton (JG), and two sons, Ashley White (Margaret), and Stuart White
(Virginia Rose). They also have six grandchildren: Adam White (Maria), Elizabeth Alexander (Mark),
Christopher King (Megan), Hamilton King, Matthew White, and Daniel White. She is committed to her
family, church, LWML, and Delta Gamma Kappa. She enjoys cooking, baking, reading, music, and of
course her grandchildren!