TARBORO - Patricia Joan Waller Blanchard, a stranger to none and a loved one to many, Queen of Everything, 93 years young, was born in Cairo, West Virginia March 3, 1927, died December 21, 2020. She is preceded in death by her husband of almost 63 years, Jim Blanchard.
Surviving family are Jenny and Dan Blanchard, Neely and Rick Barnhardt, Susan and Brian Finlay, Katie Blanchard, Hunter, Schay, and Joan Walden, Chris, and Cam Barnhardt and his fianc Allie Wallace, Lauren and Ben Finlay, sister-in-law Anne Wilgus Podesta, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews (whose birthdays she always remembered) and many beloved friends. No one made being a "dookie" look better or did it with more style.
Pat and Jim lived in Rocky Mount, NC for 43 years before moving to The Albemarle in Tarboro, NC in 2019 where they met many more beloved friends.
To celebrate her 90th birthday, Susan wrote the following lyrics to the song "My Favorite Things", from The Sound of Music (her favorite movie) and it perfectly describes our beloved Mom.
Strawberry jelly and cheap jugs of white wine
Slathered in butter, the best deep fried cornbread
Wedding announcements and obituaries
These are a few of her favorite things
Loud Christmas nik-naks and orange flip lipstick
Bourbon and cut throat with pennies and best friends
Birds that can't fly cuz their wings have been clipped
These are a few of her favorite things
Whipped cream that's homemade and bridge club with buddies
Old fashioned cocktails with bitters and cherries
Big white wine glasses with mountains of ice
These are a few of her favorite things
When there's cool whip
When there's margarine
When politics are discussed
She simply remembers her favorite things
And then she won't feel so bad
No amount of time will make the glow of her smile feel distant. Please wear a mask so that you can celebrate Pat's life with us at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to The Blanchard Family Scholarship Fund at Nash Community College, 522 North Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
In memory of Patricia Joan Waller Blanchard, Priscilla lit a candle
What an honor and joy to have known Pat Blanchard not only at church but also in the community. She always called you by name and made you feel so important. What a great lady. God Bless you Pat!