Blanche was born in Meridian, Mississippi, on November 22, 1938, to Nathaniel William Francis and Dorothy “Inez” Bartlett Francis. Blanche graduated from Louisville High School. She held a business degree from Jackson Commercial College and an Associate of Applied Science degree from Galveston College. She retired from IBM as an Administrative Assistant and Corporate Security Officer in Houston, Texas. Blanche later went to work for Siemens as a Clerical/Administrative Assistant in Jackson, Mississippi.
Blanche was a friend to all who met her and in her last days she was given the name “Boogie” Blanche because of her love of music and dancing. She was very active in the American Business Women’s Association serving as president and treasurer. She was also the Commander of the Jackson Sail and Power Squadron.
Blanche is survived by her daughter, Debbie Vest and husband Freddy of Pilot Point, Texas; sister, Gina McGraw Duffey and husband, Gary of Abbeville, Louisiana; grandchildren, Rowdy Vest and wife, Emilie of Gunter, Texas; Colton Vest and wife, Marissa of Pilot Point, Texas; Leigh Vest McPherson and husband, Nathan of Collinsville, Texas; eight great-grandchildren: Tristen, Addison, Alex, Collin, Jaxten, Marek, Pierce, and Vivian; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nathaniel Francis and Inez Francis McGraw; stepfather, George McGraw; and brother, William Bartlett “Bart” Francis of Key West, Florida.
Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
Blanche is survived by her daughter, Debbie Vest and husband Freddy of Pilot Point, Texas; sister, Gina McGraw Duffey and husband, Gary of Abbeville, Louisiana; grandchildren, Rowdy Vest and wife, Emilie of Gunter, Texas; Colton Vest and wife, Marissa of Pilot Point, Texas; Leigh Vest McPherson and husband, Nathan of Collinsville, Texas; eight great-grandchildren: Tristen, Addison, Alex, Collin, Jaxten, Marek, Pierce, and Vivian; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nathaniel Francis and Inez Francis McGraw; stepfather, George McGraw; and brother, William Bartlett “Bart” Francis of Key West, Florida.
Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
