Hilda ‘Betty’ Elizabeth White of West Bloomfield passed away October 13, 2019 at the age of 98. She is the loving wife of the late William Thomas; devoted mother of Susan (Mike) Peters, Patricia, Penelope, and William; cherished grandmother of Michael (Shannon), Jennifer, Dori, and Ryan (Holly) and great grandmother of Nicholas, Ethan, Genevieve, Lucas, and Lola.

Betty was born on October 12, 1921 to Everette and Emily Harvey in Brighton, England. In 1926, her family moved to Detroit, Michigan when her father was brought to Detroit by the Fisher Brothers to work with the design team. He was a coach builder in England. Betty attended Cass Technical High School and graduated in 1939. In 1937 Betty met William Thomas White and the two were married in 1940. Soon after, Betty and William were blessed with four children whom they raised in Detroit until moving to West Bloomfield in 1963.

Betty was always eager to learn new things. She enjoyed gardening, bowling, and looking for antiques. Betty also was a skilled sewer, creating her children’s costumes and other clothing for them to wear. She was a crafter and excelled at refinishing furniture. Betty’s artistic talents did not stop there, she studied to be a concert pianist who could also play the organ, base, and guitar. Betty’s interest in trying new things never ceased. She was an independent woman, always happy and sociable, and a true lady who raised her family to be kind and respectful. Her influence will live on in the countless lives that she has touched.

Betty’s family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 15th from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. with her visiting continuing on Wednesday, October 16th at 10:30 a.m. until the time of her Funeral Service at 11 a.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. Interment to follow at Grand Lawn Cemetery, Detroit. Memorial Contributions are appreciated to Grace Hospice in her name.