A TIME TO BE BORN

On November 10, 1942, the late Lawrence and Ruth Hamilton Sr. blessed us all with Elizabeth "Blanche" Gillins. Blanche blessed us with a solid foundation, words of wisdom and feasts fit for a king.

A TIME TO GROW

Blanche attended Berkeley Training High School in Moncks Corner in 1961. Soon after she was married and blessed with five children. She then went off to attend the University of South Carolina and The College of Charleston where she graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Development. At an early age she became a member of Greater Emanuel AME Church.

A TIME TO WORK

Blanche went on to work as a teacher at ABC Daycare in Moncks Corner from 1972-1989. She then went on to work at William Dingle Headstart program as Head Cook from 1989-2010 and retired from Berkeley Transportation as a Bus Monitor in 2018.

THE "BLANCHE" WE ALL KNEW

From professional to personal, Blanche was loved and enjoyed by many. From ABC Daycare to Berkeley Transportation, she built loving relationships with everyone and became affectionally known as "Granny".

From cooking for the kids at daycare, to supporting the community along with special request and more, Blanche was known for her skills in the kitchen. From the basics, such as a pan of brown flour to a Holiday spread every bit was delicious and left you wanting more. Her presence was always genuine and sincere. But let's not forget she also had a feisty personality and was not afraid to say what's on her mind.

Blanche was the glue of the family that kept us all together in the best and worst of times. She had a charismatic affect for family and others. Being the matriarch of the family, we've learned a lot that will stay with us for many generations to come, such as who to eat from and who not to eat from. She will forever live on in our hearts and continue to beloved and adored.

A TIME TO DIE

Blanche went on to be the Lord on January 17, 2023. She is survived by five children, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren: two daughters, Vanessa A. (Lester) Stafford, Sebrena Gillians; three sons, Henry Lee (Patricia) Gillians Jr., Anthony Gillians, and Byron Gillians; grandchildren, Lathea (Brian) Page, Shaqusha Stafford, Khadijah (Kristian) Watson-Massie, Malachi Purdie, and Nyla Gillians; great-grandchildren, Jazmin and Thurston Page; one loving sister and brother-in-law, Queen and Danny Wilson; a special grand, John (JR) Smith Jr.; and well-loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Blanche was preceded in death by her brothers, Smith Hamilton, Lawrence "Buck" Hamilton Jr., and twin sister Julia Wilson.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, January 23, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Greater Emanuel AME Church, 1174 Doctor Evans Road, Moncks Corner, SC. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Viewing will be held Sunday, January 22, 2023, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Face masks are required.