Delilah White Cummings

Delilah Newman White, born on July 13, 1958, to the late Paul Ramsey White, Sr., and the late Mary Elizabeth Brooks, was the youngest child of their 58-year marriage. Named after her delivery nurse, she was the first baby in her family born in a hospital, specifically Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Delilah shared a close bond with her siblings, Joyce, Cornelius, and Paul.
Delilah’s early education took place in the Westmoreland County school system, attending Montross Elementary School, AT Johnson Junior High School, and Washington & Lee High Schools. She graduated in 1976 as an honor student, excelling in various sports, including basketball, track and field events, gymnastics, and cheerleading.

Her strong faith led her to accept Jesus Christ at an early age. She was baptized at the Siloam Baptist Church in unincorporated Zacata, Virginia, in Westmoreland County. Delilah served actively in various church activities and later transferred her membership to Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Maryland, where she continued her spiritual journey and teaching Bible studies. She now belongs to Springfield Baptist in Conyers, GA, further enriching her spiritual community and commitment to her faith.

Delilah’s dedication to education was notable as she became the first generation in her family history to attend a Historically Black College, Hampton University, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She later pursued a graduate degree at George Mason University, earning a Master of Science Degree in Nursing Administration in 1987. Throughout her career, she held several national certifications, including Gerontology Nursing Certification and Nursing Executive Advanced and Basic Certifications from the American Organization of Nurse Executives, along with a Business Certification from Georgetown University.

Her professional affiliations included roles in organizations such as the American Nurses Association, Nurses Organizations of Veterans Affairs, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Hampton University Alumni Association, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, and Eastern Star Guiding Light *216.

Delilah’s nursing career began in 1981 at Tidewater Memorial Hospital in Virginia. She later worked in various healthcare settings in the Washington, DC area, including Woodbine Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Kimberly Nursing Agency, and George Washington University. In 1983, she started her 30-year tenure with the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, DC, followed by 5 years at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Healthcare System.

Throughout her career, Delilah found fulfillment in serving veterans and nursing staff, making significant contributions to the field. Her journey began as a neurology staff nurse, where her dedication and expertise propelled her to the position of Head Nurse for a 40-bed medical unit in 1988. Later, in 1996, she assumed the role of Primary Care Coordinator for the Red Team, overseeing the primary care of over 10,000 veterans and leading a team of over 150 staff nurses.

Delilah’s impact extended beyond the confines of her unit. She was instrumental in the development of the Electronic Computerized Medical Record and bar scanning armband for medication administration records, ushering in a new era of streamlined medical records systems. Despite her pivotal role in creating these advancements, people often directed recognition solely towards the hospital rather than acknowledging Delilah. Nonetheless, she remained humble throughout her career.

Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed on a national scale, as the outcomes she helped achieve had to be presented to Congress and became nationally recognized standards. This groundbreaking work led to the implementation of similar systems in hospitals globally, ensuring continuity of care for patients worldwide. In 2002, Delilah expanded her expertise to include wound care specialty, case management, and the IV team. She also took on roles such as Patient Care Tech and acted as the chief nurse in 2011.

 
As the Associate Chief Nurse of Inpatient Care, Delilah’s impact was profound. Her responsibilities spanned diverse programs and areas, from medical units and clinics to renal care and wound care. Her innovative approaches, such as implementing the Clinical Nurse Leader Program, led to improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Delilah’s strategic leadership, budget management, and commitment to evidence-based practice have left an enduring legacy in the nursing field. Her unwavering commitment to faith, education, and service to others marked Delilah’s life. All who know her cherish her legacy as a dedicated nurse, educator, leader, and friend.

Delilah N. White, a highly accomplished and dedicated professional, has left an indelible mark on the field of nursing and healthcare management. With a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), she has consistently shown exceptional leadership and management skills throughout her career. Delilah has served in various key roles, contributing significantly to the success of healthcare institutions.

In her role as Nurse Manager at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Healthcare System in Decatur, Georgia, Delilah exhibited unwavering dedication to quality patient care. Her leadership within the Eagles’ Nest Community Living Center yielded impressive results, including enhanced professionalism, reduced risks, increased revenue, and lower costs. Her contributions extended to research projects, memory care standards, and quality improvement initiatives, showcasing her commitment to advancing healthcare practices.

Beyond her professional achievements, Delilah’s impact on the White family was profound. Her dedication to sponsoring and planning family reunions and serving as the family historian will be deeply missed. As a friend, wife, mother and aunt, Delilah brought warmth, wisdom, and love to all who knew her.

On April 5, 2014, Delilah married her best friend of twenty-five years, Gerald Cummings. The lovely couple exchanged their vows of love and commitment before God, family, and friends at the Villa Christina in Atlanta, Georgia. Together, Delilah and Gerald’s love story blossomed, and they were blessed with a beautiful family, including their daughter Brittany, son Gerald Junior, and precious granddaughter Paisley. Their union created a legacy of love and togetherness.

Their life together was a vibrant tapestry of family gatherings, comedy shows, gospel and jazz concerts, and thrilling adventures to Hawaii, Los Cabos, Florida, and Virginia, which also included setting sail on cruises to explore new horizons.

Delilah cherished recounting their serendipitous meeting at a gospel fest in King George, Virginia, where Gerald’s group, “the Sons of Faith” from Washington, DC, took the stage. It was her brother Paul who introduced them, and even Mrs. Mary White, with her friend “Baby Sis,” played matchmakers by inviting the group for dinner after the concert. Delilah became a devoted fan of the Sons of Faith, reminiscing about their performances at the Washington DC monument, admiring their professional and soulful representation of God. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all, and her absence leaves a void that can never be filled.
 

Deliliah is preceded in death by her mother and father, Mary and Paul White Sr.

She leaves to cherish loving memories: a devoted and loving husband, Gerald Cummings Sr; one sister, Joyce Jackson (Joe); two brothers, Paul White Jr. (Jackie) and Cornelius White (Tysha); one uncle, Archie White Sr.; one aunt, Annie Turner; stepdaughter, Brittney Cummings; stepson, Gerald Cummings Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends, all of whom adored her.

A Celebration of Life Service for Delilah White Cummings will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at 12 Noon in the sanctuary of the Little Zion Baptist Church, 7748 Leedstown Road, Oak Grove, Virginia.

Interment will follow in the Family Cemetery, Grainery Road, Montross, Virginia.

Remains may be viewed from 4PM until 6PM on Monday, June 17 in the chapel of the WELDON-FISHER FUNERAL HOME and from 10AM until service time on Tuesday, June 18 at Little Zion Baptist Church.

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