Woodrow White

Woodrow White was born on November 29, 1952, in Adrian, Georgia to his beloved mom, Ms. Nellie White. Ms. White and her three sons, Jimmy, Harvey and Woodrow relocated to Gilmore Street in East Elmhurst, New York aka “The Hurst” when he was of school age. During his formative years, Woodrow affectionately known as “Woody” and “Barney”, attended Saint Gabriel’s Elementary School and Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School. He developed a love for sports and participated in CYO Teams. Barney graduated from Bayside High School in 1970 and actively participated in the Football, Track & Field and Tennis programs. While at Bayside High School he developed countless life-long friendships, some so close he referred to them as family. Woody furthered his education and attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York City. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. At John Jay, he fell in love with the game of tennis. He developed his game, became a masterful tennis player and ultimately became a tennis instructor. In his professional life, Woodrow successfully passed the NYS Correction Officer’s Exam and entered the Corrections Academy in 1977. Shortly after entering the academy, he met and fell in love with Ms. Yasmin Strickland and her son, Stephon Burkett. Family and friends in Albany and “The Hurst” gathered to celebrate their nuptials in 1978. Woodrow accepted a position with the Otisville Correctional Facility and the family relocated to Ellenville, NY. Soon after, they welcomed two daughters, Yasharee and Adrena. The family would return to Albany, NY due to Woodrow’s transfer to the Greene Correctional Facility. On Woodrow’s days off, he could be seen on tennis courts throughout the Capital District, dressed in crisp white tennis attire, serving up ACES to anyone brave enough to be an opponent. Countless spectators watched the matches and marveled at his tennis ability. He enjoyed spending time with family and especially loved picking up Secoya Monea “Moo Moo” to join the family on weekends. He re-connected with his faith and joined the Mt. Olivet Missionary Baptist Church under the auspices of Rev. Albert Holman and was a member of the male chorus. Numerous employment opportunities as a Substance Abuse Counselor required Woodrow to return to the New York City area. In 1995 he was blessed with a son, Saied "Sammy" Jackson, whom he loved dearly. He accepted a position as a Substance Abuse Counselor with the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation from which he retired and returned to Albany, New York. Woodrow travelled to Georgia for several months, assisted by his brother Harvey "Poppy", to attend to his mother’s needs until his health failed. Woody loved family gatherings, cookouts and dancing (he was the GOAT Hustler in his day).

On Monday, August 2, 2021, just before the dawn of a new day, God took Woodrow’s hand and led him into Divine Destiny and eternal rest. There he was welcomed by his brother, Jimmy Samples, and Stepfather Johnnie Whitley. Left to cherish his memory are his children: Stephon Burkett (Stepson), Yasharee White, Adrena White, Saied Jackson, and Secoya Petty (Great Niece). His former wife Yasmin Strickland-Walker, Mother Nellie White, brother Harvey White, three grand children (His Babies), Hassani Amarie, Da’Mari Sahanni, Amari Sky, and a host of extended family and friends.

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