Donna Jean Bird White, 78, of Port Charlotte, Fla., formerly of Charleston area, died Monday, February 18, 2008 in Lawnwood Regional Medical Center, Ft. Pierce, Fla., after a short illness.

Mrs. White was the daughter of Damon E. Bird Sr. and Pearl Marie Bird Simmons, both deceased. She was the widow of James E. White, who died in 1994 after 48 years of marriage.

She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, James J. and Rita White of Fort Pierce, Fla., and Joseph E. and Tonya White of San Antonio, Texas. Mrs. White had six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Thomas O'Meara of Port Charlotte, Fla., and brothers and sisters-in-law, Damon E., Jr. and Judy Bird of Venice, Fla., and Paul D. and Debbie Bird of Greenwood, IN.

Mrs. White was known as a fiery Republican who worked behind the scenes raising money and GOP supporters. She held several positions during her 35-year career with the state of West Virginia, Kanawha County and the city of Charleston.

During her political career, Mrs. White was a 1956 delegate to the Republican National Convention at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, where Dwight D. Eisenhower was nominated as the GOP's presidential candidate and Richard Nixon as vice-president. Also in 1956, Mrs. White assisted the campaign of Cecil H. Underwood, who became West Virginia's first Republican governor since 1928.

Mrs. White, a self-confessed beach lover, left her beloved West Virginia for the warmth of Florida and retirement. She often traveled to her home state to visit friends, relatives and political associates.

West Virginia University football was a passion of Mrs. White, who attended numerous post-season bowl games and traveled Florida and the world while proudly wearing her WVU apparel.

With signature red lipstick and layers of jewelry, Mrs. White, a striking woman, would draw attention at social events. Mrs. White said her makeup and attire was an attraction that made it possible for her to draw political supporters to the candidates she backed.

Mrs. White was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star 133 Dunbar, and Gulf Coast Singles.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, February 22, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with the Rev. Dr. Okey B. Harless officiating. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, February 21, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.