LEGACY
Dr Donna with her Mother & siblings Tony (older) & Tyrone (younger).
I was born and raised in Tulare, CA, a small dairy & farming town in the Central Valley. Our city’s claim to fame is that we host the annual “California Farm Equipment Show” (now called the World Ag Expo). My parents are Tommie White and Donna Scott White, who both grew up in the South and migrated West with family. My father, Tommie, was born in Harris, Oklahoma. He found his way to Tulare as he searched for agricultural work. He worked as a sharecropper and built irrigation systems that helped to bring much needed water to the city of Tulare. My mother, Donna (yes, I am a Jr!), was born in Heflin, Louisiana and was brought to California by my grandfather when she was 14 years old. She was initially a home-maker, but became a teacher’s aide once my father passed away. My father passed away when I was 4 years old so I grew up with my Mom and 2 older brothers, Tony and Tyrone. My Mom never remarried. What I love most about my Mom is that she had a positive, “can do” attitude. No idea was crazy and nothing was impossible. She instilled that attitude in me and my brothers. My brothers are awesome! They taught me everything - wrestling, skiing, driving, dating – you name it! They are true entrepreneurs; Tony owns www.tomatotony.xyz and Tyrone is a serial entrepreneur. I am a proud baby sister!
I grew up in a corner house on Blackstone Street. “The White House,” as we called it, was a home filled with great food, fun and laughter. It was the neighborhood hang out & if you came over to play, you also had to participate in nap time and school time – even during the summer! My Mom was an amazing cook. People would make detours through Tulare just to get some of her fried chicken! She would make pick fruit from our trees to make fresh plum jelly and peach cobbler. And her teacakes…talk about delicious!
Dr Donna’s Dad, Tommie. He loved fishing!!
My Mom would feed you, teach you and love on you. But she took NO mess and had NO time for drama. She shot straight and you had to learn how to take it. I was also blessed to grow up surrounded by my extended family. Tulare was the family hub so everyone would come to Tulare for nearly every holiday. For this reason, I am very close to my aunts and a host of cousins!
People often ask me, given my background, where I got the idea to become a doctor.Simple– legacy. It was inspired by God. Infused in my DNA from hard working, noble & wise parents. Crafted by my brothers. Bolstered by my family. I am Dr. Donna Scott White Carey. The first Doctor in my family, but not the last.
