There are people who just walk into a room and hardly anyone notices the new arrival. Then there are people who light up the room just standing in the doorway. Jocelyn White was the poster child for the latter group.
It wasn’t the smile that shone like the ivories of a Steinway baby grand, the laughing brown eyes or even the hour-glass figure. It was the whole package energized by some unknown power that Joce had brought with her from Arkansas back in 1981 when she landed her first gig as a weather reporter at KDFW-Ch. 4.
Surprisingly in a land where blondes ruled, Jocelyn was a standout with her mane of black hair.
Though her stint wasn’t long at the station … less than three years to be exact … her personality outshone the sunniest forecast.
With a voice that was the perfect blend of southern comfort and sparkle and a laugh with perfect timing, she found a new home on radio working with North Texas’ legendary Ron Chapman at KVIL, where she became lifelong friends with Jody Dean. From 1988-1991, she changed the dial to KISS FM, where she worked with a newcomer — Kidd Kraddick on his Kidd Kraddick Morning Show.
Over the next couple of decades she rolled up her entrepreneurial sleeves and came up with all types of programs like Designing Texas, Designing Texas Catalog, Designing DFW and others, putting to use her journalism degree by interviewing all types of celebrities and regular folks resulting in a new best friend.
While her professional life was geared to TV screens and radios, Joce was leading a double life. She was the first to volunteer if a non-profit needed an emcee for a fundraiser.
Eventually, her roles transitioned into chairing events. Anyone who knew Joce knew that her soft spots were animals and gardens. And she did more than just cut a PSA for them. She chaired the SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball, Equest’s Gala, the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum’s A Writer’s Garden and Mad Hatter’s Tea. Why, she even tried her dancing talents to raise money at Paws in the City’s Dancing with Our Stars in 2010.
But in recent years, close friends knew that Joce’s health was not up to snuff. Just this past February she was diagnosed with a rare lung disease. There was even talk about her needing a lung transplant. But it wasn’t to be. Friday she was rushed to the hospital, where she joined many of her “fur babies” across Rainbow Bridge earlier today.
Laura says
I met Jocelyn several times when she was Kidd Kraddicks co-host and when she was the emcee for the Children’s Cancer Fund fashion show. She was such a sweet person and so genuine. God bless her
Bonnie Marron says
So sorry to hear this sad news. She was always so pleasant to see on tv or hear on radio. She will be missed! RIP, sweet lady..
Suzanne Kay Hamilton says
So very sad to have read this tonight about Jocelyn White..I just couldn’t believe it I was thinking of her a few days ago that I haven’t seen her in awhile on TV doing her show with local decorators restaurant redos and touring homes..loved her holiday shows too.. Godspeed and prayers to her family 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Paul Dresser says
She lead a support group for Crohn’s/Colitis patients that my son attended. She was genuine and loving. Rest in peace. We will see you later.
Susie McAuley says
Heart Broken Jocie and I worked may year together she gave me my wings to fly. She is gone to soon.
Keith Randal Duncan says
Joce and I go back to the Eighties where she interviewed me on her radio show. I was also an associate producer on the first few episodes of the show she created “Hot On Homes” for Crozier-Henderson. She was there when we launched our kids media industry nonprofit The Movie Institute. A great loss.
allyson aynesworth says
Jeanne,
Joce sure was a magical spirit… and you’ve done a beautiful job of making those who didn’’t know her feel they did – or wish they had. I’ve always marveled at how one folds a life FULL of just that into a few words, and you’ve done a lovely job at that. She would have been touched.
Joce will be missed by legions, regardless of how many legs they have! 😢
Louise Griffeth says
Thank you for paying homage to Joce. She was a precious person and friend! Always smiling, always ready to help—a sweet soul.
Linda Spina says
Beautiful photos and story about such an engaging, caring, down-to-earth person. She had a real talent for connecting with people. And when she emceed an event – wow what a pro she was! There was always a smile on her face, even when dealing with serious challenges. Southern through and through, she was a true Steel Magnolia. Rest In Peace, sweet Jocelyn.
Michelle Redmond says
Jocelyn was like a meteor. She literally blazed through life! You had to step up to keep up.
I produced a TV show with her. And it was an amazing experience.
To learn she’s gone is a gut punch. But I take solace in believing she’s no longer in pain. And I have no doubt she is charming her way through heaven.
RIP dear Jocelyn
Frances Gonzales says
Jocelyn always made me feel special. She knew how special Fabio was to me and others at Equest and to know she was caring for him and loving him like she did made it possible for me to move on. What a beautiful light.
Forever grateful for all you did.
With Everlasting Love
Deborah P Franklin says
Sweet Jeanne Prejean, such a beautiful tribute you wrote about dear Jocelyn. She never met a stranger and I don’t think I ever saw her frown. Jocelyn was so beautiful and never aged. I used to tease her that she must have a “Dorian Gray” painting in her attic that is aging because here on earth, time had stood still and she remained eternally young. Her love of animals and rescues I so admired. She always healed their souls and gave them heaven on earth by being their rescuer. God bless you dear Jocelyn! You will be so missed!
Linda Yarbrough says
Jocelyn was a blessing to many, especially the animals in her life and hundreds if not thousands more in local animal organizations she supported. Such a kind and sweet spirit. I had the pleasure of working with her during her SPCA of Texas Board Service; her little chi, Webster, was a darling. God Speed her next journey and heal the hearts of those missing her earthly presence.
Jennifer Swift Houser says
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul! A wonderful woman, hard to sum her up in words.
Sherwood Wagner says
Jocelyn will always be remembered for her beauty-inside and out-her passion for causes and people, as well as her profound ability to bring magic to every moment she lived.
Her ability to be dazzlingly dynamic, and at the same time relatable by her down home honesty, will remain a talent that will always be respected and truly missed.
A girl from Arkansas that became a beautiful Texas rose-A treasured gift to know and will be missed.
The Reverend Adrene Hill, Clinical Chaplain says
From my heart to the heart of each family member and friends,
I have been looking and searching for Jocelyn White’s show to look at on Sundays and when I found it I was excited. When I read “In loving memory” I was in shock and as a Chaplain I teared up. She was magazine cover elegance and a true class act. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her show and seeing the fresh ideas and different places she had her viewers travel to with her each Sunday. I recorded her show whenever I would see it because on Sunday I could not look at her until late in the evenings or on Mondays. She will be missed and I am thankful she had the opportunity to be a light on Sundays for all who viewed her program.
To the family, friends, and viewers:
You will need time to grieve. Each person’s timetable for healing is different. All loss is not the same loss. All grief is not the same grief. How long would it take for the words, go on with my life to drift through my consciousness? Lots of time. Years, maybe. Society wants you to get over it and get on with your life, but God understands the process it will take to heal (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 KJV). Also, take care of the animals because they will miss her presence as well.
God understands that even though we may have buried a loved one, we cannot bury our feelings. We need time to vent and invent ways of coping with the loss in our lives. God records in His word that people in Biblical days were in no hurry to rush through the process of grief. Neither should you.
Blessings to all and may we all continue with our memories of Jocelyn White. Thank you family for allowing us to watch her series and please keep Designing Texas on television. It was and is refreshing.
Best regards,
The Reverend Adrene Hill, Clinical Chaplain
Again, thank you for sharing her with us.
Susan Posnick says
R.I.P. Jocelyn. You lit up every room you entered and whatever cause you committed to, you gave your all and more, and you were the same with friends.
You will be greatly missed- taken too soon, and remembered always for your beautiful smile.
Dedie Leahy says
Jeanne, what a perfect tribute – you so eloquently captured Joce’s bright light and loving spirit. She touched the lives of so many with her kindness, generosity and friendship.. A beautiful person in all ways, she was a talent with an ever-positive attitude and exceptional perseverance.. Jocelyn’s lovely light is surely shining in heaven now.