Blanche C. Webb's Obituary
Blanche C. Webb, 100, died October 8th, 2023 at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, Tennessee.
Though she gracefully managed serious and chronic illness for more than half of her life, Blanche far exceeded expectations of all around her- physicians, family and friends- by living one month and one day more than one century. Blanche was truly remarkable in myriad ways.
Blanche was born September 7, 1923 on a farm in Ashland, Mississippi as one of seven children of Ellen and Oscar Childers.
Upon turning 20, Blanche caught a bus to Memphis and the promise of city life while keeping small-town Mississippi values and her many loved ones always close at heart. While boarding with an aunt and uncle, she attended a vocational school to prepare for work at Fisher Aircraft Company, a division of General Motors that fabricated parts for the B-25 bomber.
Blanche enthusiastically began work as a riveter and did her part in helping to win the war by working seven-day weeks to fabricate the leading edge for the B-25 elevators.
Life changed for Blanche when she met Bobby Webb, her supervisor at Fisher Aircraft. They married on February 15, 1946 at the Union Avenue Baptist Church. This February, they celebrated 77 years together.
Her longest and most meaningful role was that of wife. Blanche supported her husband at every level of his career in auto parts, beginning at the onset of their marriage when Bobby sold parts from the back of his pickup truck to his ultimate role as an executive and eventual owner of Parts Distributors Warehouse.
In this role, Blanche was an ever-gracious hostess and entertainer, demonstrating the warmest of Southern hospitality to customers here in Memphis and across the Southern states.
Despite her health challenges, Blanche was able to enjoy corporate travel, bridge clubs and garden clubs.
Blanche was steadfastly supportive and always proud of her daughter, Judy, and her grandchildren, living just around the corner from their family for decades. She took delight in the feats of her great-grandchildren in recent years.
She is survived by her husband, Bobby, and her daughter, Judy Belisomo; her grandson, Tyson Belisomo (Lane); her granddaughter, Randi Hernandez; her great-grandchildren, Hannah, Anne Catherine and Henry Belisomo; as well as by a host of nieces and nephews who loved her and whom she cherished dearly.
She is predeceased by all of her siblings, as well as her son-in-law, Nick Belisomo, and grandson-in-law, Carlos Hernandez.
The family thanks the staff of the Baptist Reynolds Hospice House for the compassionate care Blanche received in the final months of her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to MIFA, Living Water International (water.cc), or to Second Presbyterian Church, where Blanche was a long-time member.
Services will be held at noon Monday, October 16th in the chapel at Second Presbyterian Church.
What’s your fondest memory of Blanche?
What’s a lesson you learned from Blanche?
Share a story where Blanche's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Blanche you’ll never forget.
How did Blanche make you smile?