Laugh and Learn with Ann White, Inc. was founded by the late Dr. Ann T. White in 1995 and is best known for promoting her Twelve Commandments for People Who Work With People. Ann authored these commandments in the early 1990s, but they are based on experiences throughout her life and 29-year career as a well-respected and highly-regarded educator and administrator. Ann served as a classroom teacher, library media specialist, public information director, and adjunct college professor. She retired from Spartanburg County School District 3 after advancing to Assistant Superintendent. Shortly thereafter, she officially launched her second career as a professional speaker, humorist, and consultant through Laugh and Learn With Ann White, Inc.
Ann became one of the nation's most popular speakers with her unique ability to inform as well as entertain. She blended humorous stories with truisms that challenged her audiences to live positively. Ann presented the Twelve Commandments and other related topics to a wide range of audiences in 35 states, Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America. Through her audio and video recordings, audiences and individuals continue to love her powerful message delivered with Southern charm and a down-to-earth style.
Ann's book Twelve Commandments for People Who Work With People has sold tens of thousands of copies, and her poster of the Twelve Commandments adorns the walls of hospitals, classrooms, offices, and boardrooms across the country.
Dr. Ann T. White was a native South Carolinian and made her home in Cowpens, South Carolina where her husband, William, served as mayor for several years. This relationship earned her the title and responsibilities of First Lady. Much to her chagrin, this role caused her to once be dubbed "Miss Moo." But Ann knew how to laugh, how to laugh at herself, and how to help others enjoy God's awesome gift of laughter.
A graduate of Cowpens High School, Ann received an associate's degree in liberal arts from Spartanburg Junior (Methodist) College; a bachelor's degree in social studies from Limestone College in Gaffney, South Carolina; a master's degree in secondary school counseling from the University of South Carolina; and a doctorate of education in school administration from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Ann was accepted into membership of the National Speakers Association and the Carolinas Speakers Association. She served as president of the South Carolina Association of Allied School Administrators and the South Carolina Association of School Librarians. Her many honors and awards included receiving the Limestone College Alumni Association Service to Community Award, being named Communicator of Achievement by the South Carolina affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women, and receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the South Carolina Association of School Librarians. Under Ann's leadership, Spartanburg County School District 3 received national recognition for its library media programs. She was honored by the Spartanburg County Association of Media Specialists through the establishment of the Ann T. White Award given annually to a library media specialist for outstanding service to his or her school. She served on the board of the Shepherd's Center of Spartanburg, was a member of the Cowpens Mighty Moo Red Hatters, and was a member of Cowpens First Baptist Church.
Ann was born February 28, 1943 in Cherokee County, South Carolina, and died on January 13, 2007 at her home in Cowpens surrounded by family and friends after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
She is survived by her husband, three children (Lori, Bill, and Joel) and their spouses, and five grandchildren (Canaan, Maggie, Liam, Rebecca, and Daniel). The family honors Ann's life by continuing to promote her work via Laugh and Learn with Ann White, Inc. and through recent efforts established the Ann T. White Memorial Scholarship for Future Educators for a Gettys D. Broome High School (Spartanburg, South Carolina) graduate who exemplifies Ann's spirit. For more information on scholarship contributions, please visit our scholarship contributions page.
