Tremaine Denzel White

Tremaine D. White was born on March 7, 1999, in Smithfield, North Carolina, to Terrence and Kimberly Sanders. He was the seventh of ten children and grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. On August 8, 2026, Tremaine transitioned from this earthly life, leaving behind treasured memories that will forever be cherished by his family and all those who knew and loved him.

Tremaine attended Johnston County Public Schools and graduated from Smithfield-Selma High School a semester early in 2017, a reflection of his intelligence, determination, and drive. From an early age, it was clear that Tremaine was gifted in many ways. He was incredibly smart and especially good with his hands. He had a natural ability to fix things and figure out how they worked. He was also skilled with computers and technology. One fond family memory is of Tremaine teaching his grandmother how to burn CDs, a simple moment that became a lasting memory.

Tremaine believed in working for what he wanted and took pride in being able to provide for himself. He was resourceful and hardworking and understood the value of maintaining steady employment. Most recently, he worked for Pepsi Bottling Ventures, where his strong work ethic continued to shine.

Tremaine had a personality that those closest to him will never forget. He could sometimes be quiet and serious, especially as he grew older, but around his family and close friends, his big personality came alive. He was a jokester who loved to laugh and make others laugh, and he had a beautiful smile that could light up a room. Tremaine had many interests and talents. He loved fishing, working outdoors, cooking, and wearing his cowboy boots. In his younger years, you might have believed Tremaine was going to become a singer. He loved to sing just about any song by Trey Songz and would jokingly say that he was going to be the “next Trey Songz.”

Music was also part of some of the special memories he shared with his family. As children, Tremaine and his sisters would gather in the hallway of their parents’ home and sing gospel songs together. One of their most memorable moments was singing “Living” by The Clark Sisters. What may have seemed like simple moments at the time have now become precious memories that his family will forever hold close to their hearts.

Tremaine had a special place in his heart for children, and children naturally gravitated toward him. Beneath his sometimes quiet and serious nature was a loving person with a genuinely good heart. As he grew older, Tremaine became more reserved, but in recent years, his family began to see him opening up more and allowing more of his personality to shine through.

During the last year of his life, Tremaine’s relationship with God became increasingly important to him. He became more intentional about his faith and his desire to grow closer to God. His family would often notice him listening to church sermons late at night. Earlier this year, Tremaine accepted salvation at Holy Temple Church of God, marking an important moment in his spiritual journey. His family takes comfort in knowing that during his final season of life, Tremaine was intentionally strengthening his relationship with God.

Family was an important part of Tremaine’s life, and the relationships he shared with his parents were especially meaningful to him. Tremaine was a true mama’s boy and shared a special love with his mother, whom he lovingly called “Mommy.” The bond they shared remained strong throughout his life.

Tremaine also shared a special bond with his father, one that grew even stronger in recent years. During the time they were both working in Goldsboro, their relationship took on a new closeness. Their car rides to and from work gave them more time together, often leading to long conversations where they could talk, listen, and simply enjoy one another’s company. Those moments further strengthened their father-and-son bond and created memories that his father will always cherish.

 Tremaine was loved by many. Through his humor, hardworking spirit, talents, smile, and simply the way he showed up as himself, he created memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him. 

Tremaine was preceded in death by his older brother, Joseph Sanders, and his aunt, Edna White. Tremaine leaves to cherish his loving memory his parents, Kimberly and Terrence Sanders; his siblings, Gemaude Sanders (Breanna), Terrica Sanders, Terrence Sanders Jr., Zaquondria Snead, Briana White, Alexus White, Jaylen White, and Kristopher Sanders; his grandparents, Debra Hardison (Charlie Hardison) and Mattie Pulley; his nieces, Kinsley and Harmoni; and his nephews, Jaiden, Chance, Grayson, and Brayden. He also leaves to cherish his memory his uncles, Michael White (“Greg”) and Michael Pulley; his aunts, Sandra Pulley, Tonette Spears, and Toni Sanders; along with a host of other relatives, extended family members, close friends, and loved ones whose lives were touched by Tremaine. 

Though his time here was far too short, Tremaine D. White will be remembered for his intelligence, humor, hardworking spirit, many talents, love for his family, and the beautiful smile that those who knew him will never forget. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.