Blanche E. Wagner

Blanche E. Wagner, age 87, passed from time into eternity at the Lakebridge Health Care Center in Johnson City on Tuesday, March 26, 2013. She was a native of Greene County, Tennessee but was a lifelong resident of Johnson City. In addition to her parents, Beryl (Huff) and Vernie C. Wagner, she was preceded in death by two infant brothers, William Chester and James Ray. Survivors include two sisters: June Leonard, Johnson City, and Juanita Townsend, Covington, KY; two special nephews: William C. Leonard and wife Kay, Madison, AL, James M. Leonard, Johnson City; one special niece, Gail Rekers and husband Ray, Villa Hills, KY; two great nephews, Joshua Leonard and fiancé, Megan, Johnson City and Paul Rekers, Villa Hills, KY; one great niece, Shayne Moore and husband Ashley, Villa Hills, KY. Several cousins survive including Emma Jean Anderson, Greeneville, TN, Leona Mays, Pontiac MI, Ovetta Purcell, Sorento, FL, and Melcena Harp, German Town, OH. Blanche became a Christian and baptized, joining as a member of Antioch Baptist Church, Johnson City, in June 1940. She served as assistant pianist, secretary to the Church for several years, and helped in the establishment of the church library. She later joined Central Baptist Church in Johnson City and volunteered there in their library for many years. Being handicapped for her entire life, she overcame many obstacles and was an example and inspiration to all who knew her. Pallbearers will be Bill Leonard, Jim Leonard, Joshua Leonard, Michael Hart, Danny Royston, and Jason Royston. The funeral service, with Minister Jason Royston officiating, will be held at Morris- Baker at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 30, 2013, and the committal service will follow at Monte Vista Memorial Park. A special tribute to his aunt will be given by Bill Leonard. Singing will be provided by her close friend, Virginia Barnes. Piano music provided by her nephew Jim Leonard. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00pm until time for the service. The family would like to express a special thanks to Dr. Colinger and the many nurses and staff who helped with her care at Lakebridge, the Antioch Baptist Church Sunday School Campus Ministry at Lakebridge, and special friends, Joe Lundy and Garry Royston, for love shown to Blanche in the last few years of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, or a church of their choice. Friends are welcome to call at the home of her sister, June Leonard, 102 Fairhaven Rd., Johnson City.