Ouida Lorene Lawson White

Ouida Lawson White was born to William and Minnie Bearding on July 13, 1916 in Caddo Mills, Texas. She attended school there, where she met and married Carl Lawson in 1934. They began married life in Caddo Mills and also lived in Dallas for a short time. The couple moved to Carlsbad in 1948. They had two children, Tommy and Leta. Carl was employed at the U.S. refinery for many years. The couple shared an interest in the hotel/motel industry and, were the first managers of the Carlsbad Roadway Inn in 1968. Continuing along this path, Carl and Ouida accepted employment with the Fort Davis Park and Wildlife Center at the Indian Lodge in Fort Davis, Texas. Ouida's job involved serving as hostess for the dining room, planning and hosting special events, and entertaining special guests. One of her favorite and most memorable guests was Lady Bird Johnson. Another source of enjoyment for Ouida at the Lodge was growing and nurturing all the beautiful flowers and plants in the courtyard. Ouida made all the guests fell welcome and made many friends, looking forward to the guests that returned to the Lodge each year. Due to the failing health of Carl, the couple returned to Carlsbad in 1975. Ouida was employed by Skeen's Furniture store until her retirement in 1989. Carl passed away in 1980. Before moving to Fort Davis, Ouida was a faithful member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. She always loved her Lord and Savior and served him joyously in many capacities. Among those were, Sunday School teacher, leader of G.A.'s and Y.W.A.'s and church hostess. As the church hostess, she planned many church fellowships, socials, trips and other events. Ouida helped organize the older youth group and the senior adult group during her time there. The senior adult group later formed a choir and performed for area churches and nursing homes in both New Mexico and Texas. They also traveled to Mexico to visit and sang for a children's home. In 1993, Ouida married Stanley White and the couple made their home in Carlsbad. They were faithful members of First Baptist Church, The MAGIC Group for seniors, and the Adult 8 Sunday School Department. Many hours were spent in service for the church as they continued to live a life for Christ. Stan was an ordained minister and Ouida supported and accompanied him as he performed his work conducting weddings, funerals and substitute preaching. She was preceded in death by her late husbands, Carl Lawson and Stan White; mother and father; two brothers and one sister. Survivors are son, Tommy Lawson and wife, Betty of Carlsbad, NM; daughter, Leta Wilson and husband, Leland of Ft. Worth, TX; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; nine nieces and two nephews. She is also survived by one step-son, Ronnie White of Arizona and brother, Bill Bearding and wife, Jeanne of Phoenix, AZ. Ouida loved her children and grandchildren and was thankful she lived a long life and was able to see their many accomplishments. Her family said the way she lived her life was a great example to them, and she always encouraged them to press on in all of life's difficult situations with grace, strength and faith in the Lord. Visitation will be 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Monday, August 5, 2013 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at First Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin Pence officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Pallbearers will be Mike Rogers, Larry Trower, Josh McPherson, Matt Waldon, Ross Lawson and Lane Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are Carroll Caudill, Chris Caudill, Kiah Caudill and Trevor Rogers. Memorial contributions may be made to Landsun Homes, Caring Hands Fund, 2002 Westridge Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220 or Gideon's, P.O. Box 391, Carlsbad, NM 88221-0391. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com