Blanche Holt Bourne

Blanche Holt Bourne of North Charleston, SC, was born January 1, 1932 in Conway, SC. She married John Bourne, Jr. February 25, 1949. For 65 years, she was a devoted wife and mother. At the tender age of 17, Blanche and John loaded all their worldly possessions in a 1939 Chevy, left Conway, SC, and started their life in Charleston. She worked in the Five and Dime in downtown Charleston, but soon gave up working outside the home for three children. Her active participation as a homemaker and mother led her to be an active member of the PTA of North Charleston Elementary School in the 50's and 60's. She was a valued member of the North Charleston Jaycees. Her love of gardening always had her home on Park Circle in full color during the spring. Blanche loved sewing and made clothes for her children long after homemade clothes were considered fashionable. Her support of her husband yielded a Real Estate and Insurance business that she participated in as a partner. The love of animals she had, always meant there was a pet in the home that received and gave love.

Blanche was the first recipient of the Golden Needle award given by the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), sponsored by the Lowcountry Chapter of the American Red Cross. After having heart surgery, she participated in making over 2,000 cloth bags used to distribute various kinds of supplies and comfort items for the Red Cross.

Her love of fishing was only surpassed by her love of her grandchildren. Memories of fishing, swimming, skiing and sailing in Lake Moultrie will always be a cherished memory by all she welcomed into her life.

She is survived by her husband, John E. Bourne Jr. of North Charleston; two daughters, Mary B. Bos (Patrick) and Carol B. Toman; daughter-in-law, Theresa Bourne; grandchildren, H. Duncan Padgett, III (Mardi), John Samuel Padgett (Shannon), Alicia Marie Callahan (David), Matthew Heath (Amy), Sarah Estrada (Rudy), Natalie Hernandez (Paul), John Benge Bourne, Kaitlin Bourne, Nicholas Bourne (Kat) and Kelli Benton; eighteen great-grandchildren; sister, Lea Qualey; brothers, Jason Holt (Patricia) and Jim Holt (Elva); and her 4 legged West Highland Terrier companion, Buddy. She was preceded in death by her son, John E. Bourne, III.

Her funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2014 in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., NORTHWOODS CHAPEL, 2180 Greenridge Road, at 11:00 a.m. Entombment, Carolina Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Stuhr's Northwoods Chapel.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in Blanche's honor to the Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406 and/or to the American Red Cross Carolina Low Country Chapter, 2424 City Hall Lane Suite #A, North Charleston, SC 29406.