Anita Saffold

Anita Marnette White was born to the union of Nettie and Eldridge White on January 16, 1953, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She attended Brown Street Elementary School and Roosevelt Junior High School before graduating with honors from North Division High School.

Anita accepted Christ at an early age while attending Bethel Baptist Church. At the age of 21, the Lord led her to a ministry called The Word Center, where she became more in tune with her Christian walk. She later joined New Testament Church in Milwaukee where she served on the Usher Board for several years. Anita was also an extraordinary and faithful employee with Wheaton Franciscan Health Systems for over 20 years, retiring honorably in October 2019.

Anita had a 7-year union and lifetime friendship with Sylvester Saffold, was a loving mother to her three heartbeats, Chantel, Syl Lamar and Max-El, and an adoring grandmother to her four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Anita believed in working hard to support her family and overcame many obstacles throughout her life’s journey, but she also believed in letting her hair down and having a good time.

An excellent and enthusiastic dancer her entire life, Anita absolutely loved turning on her favorite songs and vibing out in her living room – or whoever’s living room had the jams. As a young woman she liked to get cute with a nice wig and long lashes and go dancing when she could, and as she got older she loved spending time sharing stories, eating good, cracking jokes and laughing with her siblings and her children – but she was also VERY good at spending time by herself if she didn’t want to be bothered. Sometimes a couple super-corny Lifetime movies and her couch or bed was all she needed to be content. Her laugh was infectious, her energy was addictive, and her spirit was unshakable. Truly a remarkable woman.

Anita departed this Earthly life on February 6, 2022, transitioning peacefully into the arms of Jesus. She was absolutely adored and will be eternally missed.

Anita is survived by her daughter Chantel Byrd (Mervyn) of Pewaukee, WI, and sons Syl Lamar Saffold (Sharon) of Chicago, IL, and Max-El Saffold of Decatur, GA; as well as four grandchildren: Jasmine Miller of Milwaukee, WI, Avery Saffold of Brooklyn, NY, Mariah Miller of Akron, OH, and Isaac Saffold of Chicago, IL; and two great-grandchildren: Zyair Miller and Camron Miller.

She is also survived by six sisters and three brothers: Ruby White (Dave) of Milwaukee, WI, Delores Hollman (Sylvester) of Centreville, VA, Melva Rutledge of Alexandria, VA, Sterlon White of Milwaukee, WI, Gloria Harris (Tony) of Milwaukee, WI, Lester White (Mary) of Milwaukee, WI, Warren White (Jean) of Milwaukee, WI, Claudette White of Raleigh, NC and Teresa Holloway (Frenchie) of Milwaukee, WI; as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her brother Eldridge White, Jr., her beloved parents and grandparents, four uncles, three aunts, two nieces and a cousin.

Visitation on Friday, February 18, 2022 at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Chapel of the Chimes, 13235 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.  Service at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow.

God knew you were tired, so he stretched out his hand and said come on home my precious daughter. She is now resting safe in the arms of Jesus!!