Jane and Kenneth (Ken) White

How many people equate the study of trigonometry with love?  Probably not many, but the Whites do, for in that class Jane (nee Baber) and Ken met.  After graduating from E. C. Glass High School (1958) in Lynchburg, Virginia, and before marrying in 1962, each received a B. S. degree—Jane, Hollins College (biology) and Ken, University of Virginia (finance).  He immediately entered the UVa Law School earning a JD in 1965.  While Ken studied, Jane held two jobs at the university—assisting with allergy research, followed by joining the staff at the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysis.

With law degree in hand, Ken obtained employment with Edmunds & Williams, PC, bringing the couple, along with baby daughter Gena, back to Lynchburg.  Soon, two more children arrived:  Kenneth Spencer (Spence) White and Charles (Charlie) Baber White.  Today, Dr. Gena White O’Keefe and husband Bill live in Baltimore, Maryland; Charlie and Kennon, as well as Spence and Niki, in Lynchburg.  The Whites have four grandchildren.

Ken advanced in his work to the level of partner and remained with the firm until 1999, when he became one of the organizers and founding Chairman of the boards of the Bank of the James and Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc., positions that he held until 2009.  Next Ken served as chairman of the Board of Centra Health from which he retired in 2014.  For 33 years (1977-2010), Ken also held gubernatorial-appointed positions including President of the Virginia Board of Education, Chairman of the Virginia Public School Authority, member of the Governor’s Commission on Excellence in Education, and member of the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

Throughout these busy years Ken also gave volunteer time to Lynchburg and central Virginia organizations, serving on the boards of Sweet Briar College, Region 2000, and the Lynchburg Public Schools Education Foundation, along with the board for The Boy’s Home in Covington, Virginia.  Leadership positions saw Ken as President of the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust and President of the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

When not working, volunteering, or participating in family activities Ken exercised by running, frequently participating in the Virginia Ten Miller.  Today, he enjoys reading, watching all sports and listening to music, especially jazz, big band, and classical, as well as relaxing at The Cabin, a White family property dating back to the 1800s in Spout Spring, Va.  His physical activity today is limited to skiing, a sport that he enjoys very much.

For her part, Jane has accumulated 40 years of work in Lynchburg as a landscape gardener/designer and full-time volunteer, and does not anticipate stopping anytime soon.  Her many accomplishments have come from a deep interest in Lynchburg, African-American history, historic gardens and landscapes, antique roses, and restoration.   In 1983, Jane spearheaded, with members of the Hillside Garden Club, the refurbishment of the Anne Spencer Garden on Pierce Street; she continues involvement today as “hands-on-gardener” and tour guide. 

  For 27 years, Jane served as the executive director of Old City Cemetery and in 1993 implemented a plan that eventually accomplished major reclamation from disastrous storm damage.  One day, when visiting the nearby Yoder Community Center, she heard eight-year-old Isaac Williams play the piano.  Recognizing a special talent, she became his friend and mentor and now puts aside everything else in order to drive to Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia, to see and hear him perform.

From her work at Old City Cemetery and the Anne Spencer Garden, Jane has authored three books. Also, from considerable research, she has secured 15 Virginia Historic Markers for placement in Lynchburg (number 16 currently under consideration by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources).  She belongs to the local Antiquarian Club and the Southern Garden History Society, Southeastern U. S., having served on its board for six years.  Jane, in addition to interests described above, walks for both pleasure and exercise.  

The Whites look forward to settling into life at Westminster Canterbury, bringing with them Ruthie, their Norwich Terrier dog. They are excited about the significant decrease in “home maintenance” projects and the opportunity to get to know the residents at WC.