From Dreams to Reality (Excerpt From Her Upcoming Memoir)

By Rebecca S. White, Alumna, North Carolina Central University

Issue 20

Hello, my name is Rebecca Scotton White. I am originally from High Point NC. I now reside in a small town in Randolph County. I’m widowed, living with my daughter, Kimberly and her son, AJ. They have been a wonderful blessing to me!

My early childhood days were spent in a Christian environment with a devoted caring father who was a minister, and a loving mother, who was the best cook around! She prepared hot, delicious, nutritious meals while dad was the breadwinner. There were nine siblings. In mom’s spare time, she became a writer. We were not all at home at the same time. Some sisters and brothers had already left for college or the armed forces. We were raised to believe that dancing, going to the movies, or listening to secular music, such as jazz, rhythm and blues, or anything that was not Christian music was

considered unholy or a sin.

We slipped and did those things anyway and it was fun! On Saturday mornings when dad and mom went grocery shopping. We would turn on American Bandstand or Soul Train, musical shows on the TV. or the radio and would have a dancing good time! Our older sister, Teresa, who had gone away to Howard University, would come home and teach us the latest dances.

I really appreciated my teachings from my family and the church. They helped me stay grounded when I went away to college. During my preteen years, I was the president of a summer neighborhood club. We shared summaries of books that we were reading. Mom made cookies and drinks for refreshments. That was a fun memory!

My favorite teachers during that time were Ms. Reese. Mr. Forbes and Ms.Brown. They were very motivational and genuinely cared for their students.I began having school with the neighborhood children and taught bible school one summer, when our family moved to Trinity NC. It was fun and exciting! I loved working with children!

I also drew a school of cut out paper dolls. My playmate, sister, Gail, and I would play for hours at a time with the school, having fire drills too! We often laugh about this even today!

That’s when I knew that one day, I would be a teacher! My first role model was my sister, Dr. Jacquelyn (Jackie) Scotton Joyner. Jackie was a loving, wonderful role model and inspiration to all of us. She was the oldest in the family and did her undergraduate work at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham NC. She continued her education in Richmond, VA, getting her master’s and doctorate degrees at Virgina CommonwealthUniversity. She’s no longer with us but has left a beautiful legacy and wonderful memories to cherish! I followed in her footsteps and went to NCCU to obtain my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

I met the love of my life, Steven Douglas White in my sophomore year of college but didn’t start dating him until a year later. I had dreams prior to meeting him, of finding a handsome young Christian man one day, so that I could have some beautiful babies! The dream came true!

One month after I graduated, Steven, (Steve) and I had a beautiful country wedding at our family home. My youngest sister, Gail, was my maid of honor and William Martin, Steve’s cousin, was the best man. Rick, my youngest brother, sang at our wedding! Two years later, our first son, Steven Derez, was born.

Fast forwarding, Steve was a very ambitious young man. He learned the profession of masonry, inspired and taught to him by my father. He later attended Guilford County Community College, where he studied Blueprint Comprehension. He had dreams of having his own company. He asked me what I thought about it and I replied, “Go for It!!!” He started his own brick masonry business and worked on several projects in the High Point/Greensboro, NC area. He later partnered with his brother Mike White, building drainage structures for the NC State Department of Transportation, the roads and highway division.

We had two more children, Brandon Scott, and three years later Kimberly Eve was born. Our beautiful family was complete! I began focusing on my career. I was the director of a childcare center in High Point, NC for several years. I was employed also with High Point/Guilford County Schools. At a local church, I worked in the children’s ministry as director and directed the children’s choir. Steve played the keyboard for the young adults and the children’s choir.

We decided to relocate to Steve’s hometown, Siler City, NC. I became a teacher and director of a child development center for physically and mentally challenged children, mainstreamed in typically developing classes. During this time, we both became involved in the music ministry at several churches. Steve also became a minister and preached on special occasions, and man, could he preach! I sang on the praise and worship teams while Steve played the keyboard. It was very rewarding, doing the work of the Lord, and winning souls to Christ!

He later began construction of apartment buildings and was involved in several projects in the surrounding areas of Chatham County. Finally, we moved to Randolph County. I finished my teaching career in that school system, retiring in 2013.

My love for teaching didn’t stop after retiring. I began teaching at Randolph Community College as an English professor, teaching English for twelve years, to students of other countries. I really enjoyed inspiring and working with these students, who were determined after long hours, to learn English.

My favorite hobby is writing! I have written poems, songs, plays, and published two books titled Miracle and I Love Poems, The latter was illustrated by my niece Zayra Williams- Allen, daughter of our Teresa and brother in law, Newman Williams, and twin of Jamila. Both books were edited by my sister, Dr. Gwendolyn Scotton Bethea.

My sons are married and have their own private trucking businesses. Derez also works as a security officer at several restaurants. He sings on different occasions. Yateesha, Derez’s wife, works in a trucking company and is a realtor.

Their younger sons, Israel and Bryson, are involved in sports, and both are musically gifted. They keep us laughing with their sense of humor! Their oldest daughter, Nijah and her husband are both NCCU graduates and work from their home.

Brandon’s wife, Armecia, works as a registered nurse and graduated from North Carolina A&T. Their son, Jaden is a personal fitness trainer. He attended Guilford County Community College. Justin, their youngest son, will be enrolling in UNC, Wilmington on a track scholarship in the fall 2026. He placed first in the State track competition and second in the Nationals. Bryanna, the oldest daughter, is an NCCU graduate and is now attending UNC Chapel Hill, working on her master’s degree in social work. My grandchildren are all doing well academically in school.

Kimberly is an NCCU graduate and works as a Behavior Specialist. She will be enrolling in the fall of 2026 in the master’s program, studying Behavior Analysis at Purdue University. Her son, AJ, is a musician of several instruments and loves sports! He won the Golden Helmet Award in 2025.

I am so proud of my children and grandchildren, and their accomplishments!

My husband became ill and left us in 2021. We miss him so much! His genuine love for God, family and workmanship is what has inspired us to keep going forward towards our goals! I know he is enjoying heaven and smiling down from above! He loved us tremendously and we loved him too! All my children have been so loving and caring since he transitioned.

I thank God for my loving parents who instilled in us the importance of getting a good education to accomplish our goals. I also thank my other family members, who have motivated us, leading by example, attending colleges and universities, and doing well in their chosen careers. I’m also thankful to our God who is guiding our footsteps daily. as we continue making our dreams, reality!