Ada Koenig White

Ada Koenig White passed away on December 16, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Lubbock, Texas, to Ralph and Lee Nora Koenig, her family later moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and eventually settled in Shreveport, Louisiana. Ada attended Byrd High School and Randolph-Macon College, completing her degree at Centenary College. She then married her husband of 50 years, James Timothy "Tim" White III. She was a dedicated mother to her three children, James Timothy "JT" White IV, Russell Koenig White, and Laura Frances White.

Ada returned to school for a master’s in social work from LSU Shreveport. She began her career as a social worker and advanced to become the Director of Adoptions for the State of Louisiana and later the Director of Adoption Services for the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA). Her career highlights include serving on the Executive Board of the Advisory Committee on International Adoption, representing CWLA on the Hague Alliance, holding a key leadership role in developing the Adopt US Kids Project, and providing training and keynotes nationally and internationally. Ada received many honors, including the Congressional Coalition on Adoption’s Angel in Adoption Award and the US Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Bureau’s Adoption Excellence Award.

In addition to her career accomplishments, Ada was a master at connecting with people. She loved hosting, whether it was a national work group, a conference for 300, or a dinner in her home. She was a treasured friend, colleague, and mentor to many.

After her husband Tim's passing in 2011, Ada met Vernon Lee Wright, and they married in 2019. The two of them passed Ada's last years on a farm near Ethel, Louisiana, enjoying their mutual passion for gardening, entertaining, literature, and birdwatching.

Aside from her many professional achievements, she was always first and foremost a dedicated mother, loving wife, and caring friend. She was a shelter from the storms of life, a dependable rock in troubled times, and a fierce advocate for those under her care.

She is survived by her husband, Vernon; her children, JT (Tracy), Russell (Kay), and Laura; grandchildren Jake, Will, Sam, Jon, and Graham; stepchildren, Rebecca Wright (Jonathan), Pamela Wright (Louis LaPierre), and Timothy Wright (Candace); step grandchildren Jade, Evie, Madeleine, Tessa, Emory, and Caroline; her siblings, Ralph Koenig (Jan), Sara King, and Phillip Koenig (Susan); her close friend, Dee Alexander; and the many whose lives she touched. Ada leaves a strong legacy and will be dearly, dearly missed.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.sealefuneral.com.