Renita Love White’s passion for helping others was evident in both her career and in her personal life. She held various positions in health care and spent much of her free time volunteering. As a member of Friendship Baptist Church, she served as the leader of outreach ministry and the church’s program to help feed the hungry. She coordinated holiday dinners and clothing drives for the community.
“She was always volunteering,” shared her sister, Carolyn Wilson, a grants coordinator at Advocate Charitable Foundation. “She had a heart for her family and for giving back.”
Renita had no children of her own, but she was very close to her sisters, brother and their children.
“She was a loving and doting aunt. She was the person they’d go to when they didn’t want to tell their own parents something. She was the sister who was always reaching out to make sure her siblings were doing okay and the relative who was constantly checking in whether you lived near or far. She was very family oriented.”
Renita also struggled with diabetes and had been a dialysis patient since 2018. This year, she developed new complications and her health began to rapidly decline.
“She was in and out of Advocate South Suburban Hospital for the better part of 2022,” said Carolyn. “She had several heart complications, fluid in her lungs and mini strokes.”
Carolyn and her family were always impressed with the level of care Renita received.
“I never told anyone at the hospital that I work for Advocate. That showed me they treat every patient with the same level of compassion and care.”
Renita was admitted to Advocate South Suburban on April 25. She was transferred to Advocate Christ Medical Center the following day.
“It was the first time she was a patient at Advocate Christ, and she received excellent care there as well,” said Carolyn. “The nurses and doctors meant so much to us. Dr. Joe Adams was very personable and funny. He made us feel relaxed. Iris, one of the nurses, looked after Renita while also making sure we were comfortable.”
A week after Renita was hospitalized, Carolyn and her family faced an impossible decision. The cardiology, neurology and nephrology teams had all assessed Renita’s condition and told Carolyn and her family that there was no path for improvement. She wasn’t eligible for major heart surgery. She was unconscious and had been dependent on machines for several days.
“Her quality of life was gone. We had to decide to take her off life support. And we felt supported while making this decision. It was our decision, and it was handled with such dignity and care.”
Renita passed away on May 2 at the age of 60.
“She was my baby sister and one of my best friends, but now she’s at peace. So am I,” shared Carolyn, who wanted to share her story to express her gratitude for the excellent care her sister and family received.
“It was small gestures of kindness, like warm blankets or glasses of water. They were all so attentive taking care of Renita while showing empathy to the rest of us. They made our burden lighter because of their compassion. We’re so grateful.”
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