Beloved Daughter, Sister and Friend Dies Too Young

On May 21, 2019, Orlana “Lana” Yarnell White passed away at the hospital with her mother and brother at her side. She was 41.

Lana is survived by her mother, brothers, sister in law, niece, and nephews in Tacoma, as well as her chosen family and community in Seattle.

Lana grew up in Tacoma as well as Madisonville, Ky., where she was born. Known for her smarts, humor and strong will, she made an impact. She was a smart student and trailblazed her way into the white, male dominated field of technology. She was the first in her family to complete her Bachelor’s Degree. She earned a BA in Computer Science and Mathematics at  Western Washington University. She pursued and succeeded in basketball as well – even though she was the shortest player with any team she played on. She taught herself to play guitar. Eventually, she owned her own home in Seattle.

Lana was brave. Against all odds – and often without support – she stepped into challenges and places that society and generational poverty and racism – not to mention sexism and homophobia – told her she did not belong and could not do well in. But she did do well. Especially in the early part of her career, she gave her work her all – she took on problems and solved them. She worked for years at Transenda and was hired on at some of the largest tech companies including Amazon and Microsoft.

Her talent was clear.

In her earlier days and young life, Lana loved music and dancing, cooking and pranks. Her sense of humor was striking and contagious. She always kept you guessing. She was healthy, an athlete, and crazy smart.

And – possibly most important to her – Lana was an intensely loyal, authentic, and loving daughter, sister and friend. She helped to raise her brothers. Especially in her earlier adulthood, she was there when a friend needed her. Always. She might have been late or bossy, but she was there. She was her mother’s primary support through a bout of late stage cancer. Her mother survived. When her friend had brain surgery, Lana was at her side. Another friend lost her father and Lana was a companion to her throughout the process. She had a big, giving heart.

Ultimately trauma and disease took Lana too early. 

Lana is deeply missed. She will be remembered for her tenacity. Her sensitivity. Her generosity. Her playful spirit.