GRACIE BLAKNEY

Gracie Witherspoon Evans Blakney, 81, widow of Leon Evans and the Rev. Lymual Blakney, died Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital, Manning.

Born June 29, 1929, in the Biggers section of Clarendon County, she was a daughter of the late Sam Witherspoon and Agnes Pendergrass Witherspoon. She was a graduate of Manning Training School and pursued a career in nursing at the old Roper Nursing School, Charleston. In her youth, she confessed Christ and joined Biggers AME Church. After relocating back, she became a member of Mount Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Beverly (Lelo) Josey of the home; a sister, Martha W. Pringle of North Charleston; a special foster grandson, Christopher McClinton; 19 additional foster grandchildren; and a host of brothers and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services were held Aug. 28 at Mount Chapel Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Carnell Witherspoon presiding. Burial was held in Cedars Cemetery, Camden.

The family received friends at the home, 5240 Kingstree Highway, Manning.

Online memorials may be made at samuelsfuneralhome.com.

Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning handled arrangements.