Lela Viola Blanchard

Lela Viola Blanchard, 88 of Fayetteville passed away Monday January 23, 2012 at UNC Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Blanchard was a loving mother, who touched everyone she met.  She had a great sense of humor and was fun to be around.  She was said to have the patience of Job.  She was a sports fanatic who loved watching hockey, was a diehard Duke fan and her favorite Nascar driver was Jeff Gordon.

Mrs. Blanchard is survived by 3 daughters, Frances Bullard and husband Jesse, Betty Hobbs and husband Dave, and  Debbie Birchfield; 4 sons, Charles Blanchard and wife Reba,  Larry Blanchard, Jim Blanchard and wife Elaine, Danny Blanchard and wife Alma; daughter in law Sandra Blanchard; sister, Christine Strickland; 26 grandchildren and 37 great grand children; and her faithful sidekick Toby.

Mrs. Blanchard was preceeded in death by her husband James Robert Blanchard and son Edward Blanchard.

The family will receive friends from 11-1 Thursday January 26, 2012 at Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service and Crematory.  Funeral services will be held at 1 pm at the funeral home.  Burial at Hall Family Cemetery following the service.
Pallbearers for Mrs. Blanchard are Chris Blanchard, Eddie Blanchard Kevin Blanchard, Michael Bost, Jonathon Hobbs and Bobby Blanchard.

Services entrusted to Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service and Crematory.