Remembering Mary White, former Action 9 executive producer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mary White was the Action 9 producer for 38 years.

White passed away Wednesday night.

While you didn't see her on TV, you certainly saw her work.

Action 9 investigative reporter Jason Stoogenke worked side by side with White on the Action 9 team.

“It's hard to put into words what Mary meant to us here,” Stoogenke said. “She was smart and funny, and one of the kindest people you could know. “But when it came to handling Action 9 business, she was tough as nails and always fought hard for the little guy."

White spent those 38 years answering phone calls, letters and emails -- tens of thousands of them over the years.

In 1976, she joined the Channel 9 team doing whatever it took to help people who didn't know where else to turn.

“The paycheck was important, but it was more rewarding to hear someone say, ‘Thank you for helping me,’” White said.

[Photos: Remembering Mary White, former Action 9 executive producer]

Over the years, White worked with three Action 9 reporters, including Cullen Ferguson, Don Griffin and Stoogenke.

[Action 9: Don Griffin's co-workers reflect on his career]

Before retiring in 2014, White spent her time at Channel 9 doing what she loved to do.

[Action 9 executive producer Mary White bids farewell after 38 years]

“It never seemed like a job to me,” White said. “It just seemed like I was born to do this. I was born to do this.”

White had been in poor health lately but no matter what, she always had that strong Mary spirit, and as so many have talked about today in our newsroom -- that Mary laugh.

Cox Media Group