NEW ZION - Gladys Benton Blakely, 89, widow of L. Dallas Blakely, died Saturday, April 26, 2014, at McLeod Hospital.
Born June 20, 1924, in Kingstree, she was a daughter of the late Garris and Janie Morris Benton. Mrs. Blakely graduated from Salem High School and the Scranton Nursing Assistant Program. She took pride in being a homemaker as well as working outside of the home as a nursing assistant / private sitter. She worked with many families over the years and always spoke highly of all of the patients she assisted. She was well known throughout the community for her hospitality, she always had delicious food, especially pound cakes and tea cakes, to share with others. She was a member of New Zion United Methodist Church.
Survivors include two sons, Dallas Benton (Donnie) Blakely of New Zion and Robert Steve (Roxanne) Blakely of Kingsland, Ga.; four grandchildren, Tina (Scott) Huggins of New Zion, Blair (Drew) Massey of Atlanta, Ga., Tiffany (Nick) Myers of Myrtle Beach and Brittany Blakely of Charleston; and two great-grandchildren, Colin Blakely Myers and Evan Nicholas Myers.
Funeral services for Gladys Benton Blakely will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at New Zion United Methodist Church with the Rev. Joanne Lockard-Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Tommy Benton, Terry Benton, Michael Blakely, Marvin Osborne, Harold Blakely and Al Hicks will serve as pallbearers.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Stephens Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank Dr. Raymond Allen and his staff, as well as Lois Bryant and Alta Faye Welch for all of their love, care and personal attention provided to Mrs. Blakely during her years of need.
Memorials may be made to New Zion United Methodist Church, c/o Mary Emma DuBose, P.O. Box 33, New Zion, SC 29111.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church Street, Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179.
