Blanton, Barbara

Barbara Ann Surles Blanton, age 73, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Waccamaw Community Hospital following an illness. She was born February 20, 1937 in Barnwell, SC a daughter of the late William Edgar Surles, Jr. and the late Anna Mae Baxley Surles. Mrs. Blanton‘s passion was helping those in need. She volunteered with the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the Horry County Police Department, and Citizens Against Spousal Abuse. Mrs. Blanton taught Sunday School in the past at Midway Baptist Church. She was currently a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Allard Lester Blanton; six daughters, Deborah Bowden (Kevin), Janice Ballard (Rob), Peggy Weed, Elizabeth Bazemore (Duane), Zoe Justice, and Leslie B. Hardee (Rev. Ricky); three sisters, Diane Zimmerman, Donna Williams (Carl), and Elizabeth Bowman (Greg), two brothers, William Edgar Surles, III (Patty) and J.D. Surles (Mary); her father-in-law, Dennis Blanton; nine grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. Memorials may be sent to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 2102 Pleasant Grove Road, Loris, SC 29569. She was predeceased by one brother, Melvin Surles, and two sisters, Billie Frappy and Mary Louise Price. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 25, 2011 from 6-8 pm at Ward Funeral Home in Loris. Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, January 26, 2011 from the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Donnie Graham and Rev. Ricky Hardee officiating. Burial will follow in the Blanton Cemetery.