CARRIE BELLE H. BLANDING
Carrie Belle Hodges Blanding transitioned into eternal rest in the Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, at her residence in Sumter.
On Sunday, Sept. 23, 1928, in the town of St. George in Dorchester County, Carrie was born to the late Rev. Reed and Rosa Hodges. One of four daughters, Carrie was educated in the Dorchester County Public School System. Upon graduating high school, Carrie matriculated to Morris College in Sumter, where she achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Education. With degree in hand, Carrie began her 33-year career as an educator in South Carolina. Always punctual with an excellent work ethic, Carrie served in Berkley County at the Bonneau Elementary School, followed by the Birnie Center Kindergarten Program. Carrie would then migrate to the county of Sumter, where she would serve the Salterstown School, Limira Elementary School and would retire from Bates Middle School in 1986.
A woman of faith, Carrie accepted the Lord at an early age as a member of Bethel Baptist Church in St. George, where her father was the assistant pastor. Carrie would continue her service to the Lord with active membership at First Baptist Missionary Church, Sumter. Carrie was an active and faithful member of the usher board and supported the FBMC Girls Scout Troop, until her health failed.
Carrie was blessed to be joined in holy matrimony to the late Silas William "Bubba" Blanding. To this union was born one daughter, Mable Blanding Grate.
Carrie was truly fortunate to be on the receiving end of the purest form of "selfless love" in the person of her granddaughter, Jeemy Grate-Pearson. As Carrie's health declined, Jeemy moved her grandmother into her home to ensure that she would receive the absolute best care possible. Carrie treasured all the love and attention she received from her child, grandchild and great-grandchildren.
Carrie was predeceased by her three sisters, Alma (Howard) Toomer, Elizabeth (Oliver) Ford and Ruth (Leroy) Lymas.
Carrie is survived by her daughter, Mable Blanding Grate; devoted granddaughter, Jeemy (Gregory Singleton) Grate-Pearson; great-grandsons, Illya T. (Delilah Hayes) Shuler and Clayton Grate; great-great-grandson, Aubren Shuler; sister-in-law, Ida Blanding Taylor; brother-in-law, Isaiah (Jesse Mae) Blanding; sister-in-law, Lillite Mae Blanding Dingle; two devoted caregivers, Flossie Cook and Viola Moses; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 1130 Kentwood Drive, Sumter.
Celebration of life services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at First Baptist Missionary Church, 219 S. Washington St., Sumter, with the Rev. George P. Windley Jr., pastor, eulogist.
The remains will be placed in the church at 10 a.m.
The procession will leave at 10:20 a.m. from the home.
Burial will be at Hillside Memorial Park, Sumter.
Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.
Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com.
Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.