IRENE B. BLANDING

Irene B. Blanding, 77, was born on Nov. 10, 1943, to the late Harmon Sr. and Annie Bradford. She departed this life on Friday, July 9, 2021, at her home, 28 James St., Sumter, surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Blanding loved dearly her daily two hours spiritual devotion and family gatherings which she always brightened with her warm smile and genuine appreciation. She was a 1961 graduate of Lincoln High School. Mrs. Blanding joined Mt. Olive AME Church at an early age and was an active and dedicated member of the Amy Gallishaw Women Missionary Society (Sumter Unit), stewardess board four, usher board and senior choir.

Mrs. Blanding is survived by three children, Murray K. Blanding Sr. and wife, Pamela, of Boyds, Maryland, Angela Hudley and husband, Madison, and Marvin L. Blanding and wife, Stacey, of Sumter; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lucinda Bradford and Patricia Bradford of Sumter; one brother, Harmon Bradford Jr. of Charlotte, North Carolina; three brothers-in-law; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Murray C. Blanding; a brother, Lennard Bradford; three brothers-in-law; and four sisters-in-law.

In accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitation at the home, 28 James St., Sumter.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Mt. Olive AME Church, 2738 Woodrow Road, Woodrow, with the Rev. Dr. R.L. Brown, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olive Memorial Garden, Pear Street, Woodrow.

Funeral procession will leave from the home at 9:20 a.m.

These services are entrusted to the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.