Martha White

Martha Hylander White, 90, of Rogers, Arkansas passed away July 24, 2015. Martha was born in Paragould, Arkansas to Louis G. and Beulah Hylander. She was a graduate of Paragould High School. Martha was a former member of the National Youth Orchestra and a staff member of the National Music Camp in Interlockhem, Michigan. She earned her bachelor's degree from North Texas State Teacher's College in Denton, Texas and graduated with a master's degree from the University of Rochester, New York, Eastman School of Music. Her major instrument was Trombone. Martha began her teaching career as the band director for the Paragould High School. She then married and moved to Pocahontas where she lived while raising a family and was the wife of the late Adrian L. White, former owner of radio station KPOC and former Mayor of Pocahontas. She served for many years in the Pocahontas School System as high school band director and choral director as well as elementary music teacher and the Director of Public School Music. She also served as the Director of Music at the First United Methodist Church in Pocahontas. Martha and Adrian moved to Rogers in 1985 where she assisted as an instructor for the Rogers High School Orchestra and for the Rogers High School Choir. Martha was a member and a Diaconal Minister of Music for the First United Methodist Church during her years in Pocahontas. Following the move to Rogers, she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Rogers. Martha was a member of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. She played trombone for the Bella Vista Community Concert Band, the Ozark Mountain Brass Band and Jack Terry's Big Band. She was a member of P.E.O. for more than 60 years and a member and former President of the Rogers Music Guild and a former board member of the North Arkansas Symphony. Martha is survived by two daughters, Cynthia White and Karen Blair (John) of Rogers and one son, Dr. Charles White (Rebecca) of Rogers, four grandchildren and one great-grandson. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, July 29, at 10 a.m. at Randolph Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of McNabb Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, July 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McNabb Funeral Home in Pocahontas. Memorials may be sent to the First United Methodist Church, 400 N. Thomasville Avenue, Pocahontas, Arkansas 72455.