Irene Onley White

Sumter, SC…Irene Onley Boney White, age 89, beloved wife of the late James B. White, died on Wednesday, January 21, 2021 at Covenant Place.

Born April 7, 1931 in Englewood, CA, she was the daughter of the late Fred Onley and Irene Frances Brown Onley.  The family moved to Irmo, SC in the 1930’s and later to Sumter, SC where Mr. Onley owned and operated Evans Motor Court.  Irene, known to her family and friends as "Renie”, attended Edmunds High School and went on to receive her RN from Tuomey School of Nursing.  She worked for many years at Tuomey Hospital as well as National Healthcare during her time in Sumter. 

In 1952, she married Leslie Lee Boney, Jr. who preceded her in death in 1966.  Together they had three daughters, Robin, Lark and Wren.  In 1984 she married James B. White and moved to Lugoff, SC, later returning to Sumter in 2005.

Mrs. White was a member of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church as a young woman, later moving her membership to First Presbyterian Church after marrying Leslie Boney.  She served the church for many years as an active Sunday School teacher while raising her young daughters.  After moving to Lugoff, she and Mr. White attended Rowah Presbyterian Church, returning to First Presbyterian in Sumter prior to his death.

As a young wife, mother and widow, living in Sumter raising her daughters and working, Renie enjoyed bowling, bridge, gardening and was always ready for any beach or lake trip with her many lifelong friends.

Renie is survived by; three daughters, Robin Garris (Eddie) of Myrtle Beach, Lark Haynie (Robert) of Sumter and Wren Boney; one sister, Llwayne Coleman (Steve) of Mt. Dora, FL; five grandchildren, Ted Garris (Nikki) of Myrtle Beach, Lesleigh Montegomery of Sharon, SC, Babs Healon (Mark) of Sumter, Linsey Haas (Jimmy) of Fernandina, FL and Morgan Barwick (Adam) of Pinewood; ten great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Leslie Boney and James White, she is preceded in death by: one brother, Fred G. Onley; two sisters, Arlene Baker and Rose Hurst; a brother in law, Frank Hurst and an infant grandson, Robert Jason Haynie.

Due to Covid-19, a private family service will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 11:00 am in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow the service in the Sumter Cemetery.

You may view the service via live stream on the Bullock Funeral Home website by going to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and clicking on the obituary page of Irene Onley Boney White.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Covenant Place and Caris Hospice for providing such wonderful and loving care during Renie’s final years and days.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

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