Blanche Thomas

Blanche Thomas, 107, of Graceville, Florida, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Southeast Health in Dothan, Alabama. She was born February 13, 1919, in Geneva County, Alabama, to the late Jesse W. and Lucy Hall Hinson. Blanche Thomas was an extraordinary woman whose life spanned more than a century. Many simply described her as “one of a kind.” Ms. Blanche lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the rise of technology, and generations of change. Yet those who knew her best say what stands out most is not the history she witnessed, but the way she lived through it all. Her life was built on hard work, faith, discipline, and independence. For decades, she worked outdoors tending flower beds and vegetable gardens, raising tomatoes that neighbors still talk about. She was independent, sharp, and witty. Her home was always filled with warmth, optimism, and steady faith. She had a deep love for church and for people. She loved sharing her famous peanut brittle with her family and friends. Her regular Friday beauty shop appointments reflected her desire always to look her best. Being well dressed and well put together wasn’t vanity; it was dignity. She leaves a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Our world is a better place because of the well-lived life of Blanche Thomas. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Carlie Thomas; stepson Kenneth Thomas; four brothers; and four sisters. Blanche is survived by several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews, as well as many extended family members and a host of friends. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. (CST), Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the chapel of James & Lipford Funeral Home, 5390 Cotton Street, Graceville, Florida. Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, with James & Lipford Funeral Home directing. The following is an article written by Samantha Angerbrandt, Editor of The Graceville News, that is a great tribute to Mrs. Blanche. A Life Well Lived: Remembering Blanche Thomas There are lives that quietly pass through history, and then there are lives that leave an imprint on an entire community. Blanche Thomas was one of those rare individuals whose presence, spirit, and kindness will long be remembered by those who knew and loved her. Earlier this year, friends, family, church members, caregivers, and longtime admirers gathered at Graceville Rehabilitation to celebrate a remarkable milestone as Ms. Blanche marked her 107th birthday. The room was filled with laughter, stories, and deep admiration for a woman many simply described as “one of a kind.” Today, those same memories serve as a reminder of a life that was truly well lived. Born in 1919, Ms. Blanche lived through more than a century of history. She witnessed the Great Depression, World War II, and generations of change that reshaped the world around her. Yet those who knew her best say what defined her life was not simply the history she experienced, but the grace, faith, and determination with which she lived every day. When asked the secret to reaching 107 years old, Ms. Blanche answered with the same humility that marked her life. “Just blessed,” she said. “Just one of them things that happens I reckon.” Then, with quiet wisdom, she added, “Take it as you see it.” Her family believes her long life reflected the values she carried with her every day: hard work, strong faith, discipline, and independence. For decades she spent countless hours outdoors tending flower beds and vegetable gardens, raising tomatoes that neighbors still talk about today. Even into her seventies, she faithfully rode a stationary bike every morning before breakfast, maintaining the routine for more than twenty years. Friends remember passing by her home and seeing her sweeping the porch or working in the yard regardless of how she felt that day. If someone suggested she slow down or rest, her response was simple. It needed to be done. That spirit of independence remained a defining part of who she was throughout her life. She preferred to take care of things herself and carried a strength and determination that never faded. One story often shared by friends and family captures her fearless nature perfectly. After discovering a snake in her shed, Ms. Blanche called a friend and calmly explained, “I got a snake in my shed and I’m out here with my shotgun.” When warned to put the gun down before she hurt her shoulder, he rushed over to help. But everyone agreed on one thing: Ms. Blanche was fully prepared to handle it herself. Family members remember childhood days spent running through her yard when Uncle Carly, her husband, was still alive. They recall a home filled with warmth, faith, and optimism. Though her life was not always easy, those closest to her say she rarely showed sadness. Instead, she chose to meet life with positivity and strength. Her love for church and people was evident to everyone she encountered. Family member Christopher Harrison once described her as “a super sweet lady” with “a very sweet spirit” and “words of wisdom to dispense.” In every conversation, he said, she was a blessing. And then there was the peanut brittle. For many, Ms. Blanche’s legendary peanut brittle remains one of their favorite memories. Generations recall standing in her kitchen watching her prepare the beloved treat. Some tried to learn the recipe, but no one ever seemed to get it quite right. With a knowing smile she would gently say, “You don’t have that.” Her peanut brittle, much like Ms. Blanche herself, was truly one of a kind. For years she faithfully visited the beauty shop every Friday. Ricky White and his wife Martha cared for her hair for decades. Martha once remarked that Ms. Blanche “always looked like she just stepped out of a hatbox.” Even at the end of the week, her hair remained neat, her face fresh, and her lipstick perfectly in place. Looking her best was never about vanity. It was about dignity. Friends describe her as sharp, witty, and full of stories from a lifetime most people only read about in history books. She carried those memories with humor and grace, sharing them freely with those around her. Blanche Thomas was many things to many people. She was a gardener, homemaker, churchwoman, storyteller, beauty shop regular, peanut brittle perfectionist, and a fearless defender of her own backyard. Though small in stature, standing only about five feet tall, her spirit stood taller than most. Perhaps the simplest words spoken about her capture her legacy best. “She’s just always been nice. Always.” Today, the Graceville community remembers and celebrates a life faithfully lived. The impact Ms. Blanche made through her kindness, strength, and quiet wisdom will continue to live on in the memories of those she loved and those who loved her in return. Her life was not measured simply in years, but in the countless moments of care, laughter, and inspiration she shared with others. And because of that, her legacy will never fade. “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” - Matthew 25:23

Blanche Thomas

February 13, 1919 - March 11, 2026