Marva J. White

Song of Life

Marva June White, affectionately known as “Junie” by family, was born and raised in the “Martindale/Brightwood” area. Marva was born on June 15th, 1942, to Cecil Leo Buckner and Dorothy Ruth Adams Buckner, and was the seventh of eleven siblings. In her early years, the family attended St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church of Indianapolis. She was educated in the IPS school system, attending School No. 56 for her primary and junior high education. Marva later attended Crispus Attucks High School where she majored in business and home economics.

Marva held various jobs before landing a position with the Kroger Company in 1970. She worked there for a while before leaving and was briefly employed by the Army Finance Center; however, she later returned to work at Kroger, where she worked at a variety of stores, finally retiring at Kroger in Speedway in 2004 after 34 years of dedicated service. Marva later became a member of Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis and was baptized on May 20th, 2006 at St. Mark’s Church in Plainfield, Indiana.

Post retirement, the real magic of her life happened. She, along with her best friend Bobbie, entered into an entrepreneurship arrangement that included designing custom sweatshirts and clothing, as well as numerous baked goods. As an individual, she was best known for her amazing chili and coney dogs, which were sold at various businesses and expos, all the while being available to her grandchildren at the drop of a dime. Marva was multi-talented and also a gifted artist, as shown on the hand-painted designs she created. She was truly blessed with her artistry.

On August 3rd,1979 she entered into holy matrimony with Norman K. White and became step-mother to his three children, Carla, Keith, Kelly White, and four grandchildren, Emmitt, Everett, Whitney, Antwaun, Aundray, Alexis, and Anthony Humbles Jr.

Marva passed away peacefully at Eskenazi Hospital on February 25th, 2026, at the age of 83. She is survived by one daughter, Gail Buckner Wilson Miller, two grandchildren, Dion Miller and Dominique Miller. Two great grandchildren, Kelia Miller, and Destiny Miller. She is also survived by two siblings Norman and Raymond (Valerie) Buckner, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.