Nettie DaPra

Nettie Briscoe DaPra passed away suddenly of natural causes in her apartment home in Washington, D.C. on November 14, 2008 at the age of 97. Mrs. DaPra, born Nettie Sue Briscoe in 1911 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, was one of three children who were orphaned and raised by loving family relatives. In 1931 Nettie Sue married Paul C. White, an energetic, talented oil and gas exploration engineer and began married life during the Depression. They had two children, Frances White Speer and Michael White. In 1939 they relocated from Little Rock to Washington, D.C. when Paul accepted an offer of employment with the Federal Power Commission.

After Paul died in 1946 from surgical complications, Nettie went to work for the Federal Power Commission, first doing clerical work in the Docket Section, and then editing the Commission's reports and official documents. She retired as an editor, performing the responsibilities formerly assigned to lawyers, even though her formal education included only one year of college education at Baylor University. During her career at the Federal Power Commission, a small government agency, she developed many close and dear friendships that were maintained through her retirement years.

Early in her retirement, in 1980, she married Louis DaPra, a lawyer in semi-retirement. Through Lou, she obtained an appreciation for the Italian-American heritage, including the Catholic Church and Notre Dame, and provided Lou, already a warm and generous family man, with the traditions of the South - which he came to love dearly. Unfortunately this happy time was cut short by Lou's untimely death from food poisoning only eight short months after they were married.

Nettie viewed work as a responsibility and did it well; however she said she never wanted to be a career woman, but enjoyed home life very much, as well as family and friends. Family occasions such as Christmas and Thanksgiving were her special moments, as was attending and supporting the Clingman-Jones Family Reunion near Caddo Gap, Arkansas, an annual tradition. This trip provided the opportunity to return to Arkansas every year (by car of course) and enjoy time with her Briscoe and Phillips relatives, revitalize her Southern roots, and enjoy seeing the American countryside.

Her strong affection for France and French culture began when she was living with her Uncle Matt Briscoe, Chairman of the French Department at Baylor University, and resulted in grandchildren and others addressing her as "Grandmère." She always said "even the French can't stand their politics!" She did love discussing politics! Another life-long pleasure was music. She was especially fond of traditional jazz, joining in sing-a-longs around the piano with friends, and songs of faith and inspiration.

Nettie, a deeply religious person, provided lifelong support to her family and friends, and took much pleasure in their accomplishments. Through life's many challenges she kept the faith that she acquired from childhood and never faulted in her commitments. Growing up as an orphan and surviving the Depression in the South, she lived wisely, did not believe in waste, and lived conservatively so she could share. She will be deeply missed by family, friends, and acquaintances. In addition to her husbands and her daughter, one grandson, Jarratt Speer, predeceased her. She is survived by her son Michael White, McLean, VA, grandson James White, N. Wilkesboro, NC, granddaughters Melinda Miller, McLean, VA, and Michelle Patrizio, Piqua, OH, three great grandchildren, many cousins, and extended family.

Graveside funeral services will be 11:30 A.M. Wednesday in Rose Hill Cemetery in Arkadelphia wiut Rev. Carroll Jackson officiating. Visitation will be 11 A.M. until service time in Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home. Sign on line at www.ruggleswilcox.com .