Patty White
September 14, 1961 - July 03, 2017


Patty Branum White age 55, died peacefully at home in New Madrid, MO on July 3, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. She left this world more beautiful and more comfortable than she found it. Others felt safe and comforted in her presence, her smile and enthusiasm were contagious to all those around her. Her loyalty and devotion to those she loved and the God she served, powered her life and strong spirit.

Born September 14, 1961 in Sikeston, Missouri to Thomas and Joan (Williams) Branum, she attended Matthews High School and graduated in 1980.

On April 25, 1987 she married Derek Curtis who preceded her in death on July 11, 1992. On September 25, 1993, she married Larry White who survives.

Patty worked for the CPA firm of Clay, Showmaker, and Clay in Sikeston, Missouri before leaving due to illness. Her true passion throughout her life was barrel racing and training horses and riders. Her love for horses was immense and her skill as a rider was known throughout the many rodeo associations. She was National Barrel Horse Association Director for MO-03 for four years as well as a member of American Quarter Horse Association, Missouri Rodeo Cowboy Association, Professional Women’s Barrel Racers, Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and ARK-MO Show Association. She also participated in the Sikeston Rodeo 5 years as Flag Girl and 4 years as a Barrel Racer.

Patty was also an active member of the Crowe Methodist Church in Kewanee. She leaves a testimony of a Christian life led by God’s grace and the power of faith. She loved her church and examples of her dedication grow all around the chapel in the Memorial Garden she created.

Survivors include her mother, Joan Deschamp and her stepfather Carl Deschamp of New Madrid; one brother, Rick Branum of New Madrid; three stepdaughters Tonya White of New Madrid, Jessica (Jacob) Knapp of Gideon and Kristi (Paul) Hewitt of Gideon. Patty was “Nana Patty” to six grandsons, Corey, Cody, Gavin, Brayden, Skylar, and Jordie and 2 great grandchildren, Harper and Bentley and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

On August 18, 1985 Patty was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Branum.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston, where funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will follow in the Dunklin Memorial Gardens in Kennett, MO.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Knapp, Paul Hewitt, TJ Branum, Kyle Branum, Tommy Branum and Eric Branum.

In lieu of flowers Patty requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 - Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101 and Crowe Methodist Church, P.O. Box 292, Matthews, MO 63867.