December 24, 2025, 87, Goldsboro – DeAnn Cluff White, 87, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, surrounded by family, at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Born in Boise, Idaho on September 5, 1938, she was the daughter of the late John Verl Cluff and Florence Georgia Valentine. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband Charles Arave and second husband of over forty years, Jerry White; her sister, Verlene Townsend; brothers, Bob Cluff, Ron Cluff, Jack Cluff; her son, Ricky Verl Arave and granddaughter-in-law, Jennifer Arbeau.
DeAnn dedicated more than 40 years to the American Red Cross where she assisted in disaster relief, shelter coordination, teaching classes and received many honors and recognition for feeding, sheltering and comforting those in their most desperate time of need. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints where her heritage came from early Mormon Pioneers. She loved her visits from the home teachers which was such a blessing when she no longer could drive or get around.
DeAnn loved her children and grandchildren and became known as “itshugrandma” about eighteen years ago with the arrival of her great grandchildren. She would watch her great-grandson, Ayden every Wednesday night, and opening the door to greet him she would say “It’s your grandma” with that big ol’ grin and scoop him up. Now years later, “itshugrandma” is known all over Wayne County.
DeAnn’s most cherished pet was Suzie, a Boston Bullterrier, she loved her “Suzie Dog” so much. DeAnn had many hobbies over the years but her most cherished were quilting and playing the piano. She loved putting her grandbabies on her lap and teaching them chop sticks. She was so proud that her love for music carried on in her children and grandchildren through playing the violin and piano.
Christmas was DeAnn’s favorite time of the year. She loved baking with her grandchildren, eating good food and opening gifts. She would get so excited around the holidays to see everyone. It’s no coincidence that DeAnn went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Christmas Eve, it was the ultimate gift she was able to open, no more suffering or pain and knowing she left a legacy of love and carrying on special family traditions.
DeAnn is survived by her sister, Barbara Wolfe, her daughter, Debra Lacey and two daughters, her son Rex White (Sharon) and their children Rex White Jr (Aleece) Jessica Clark (Thomas), Brian White, Scott (Renae) Lacey Peters (Ryan), her son, Jeff White and spouse and two sons, her daughter, Tamela Arbeau (William) and children Amy Lancaster (Joey), Eric Arbeau, Shawn Arbeau (Kim) Wesley Arbeau (Morgan), Samantha Arbeau (Sean), 26 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild
DeAnn’s spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched. In our hearts, she holds a place no one else will ever fi ll. A service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 1 PM in the chapel of Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home, with the Reverend Joey “Joy” (as DeAnn called him) Lancaster and Bishop Mark Corbett officiating. Interment will follow at Wayne Memorial Park.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the White family.
