Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Blanchard

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Blanchard, 92, was born in Charlotte, N.C. on August 8, 1928 and died Saturday, December 12, 2020 at her home. The daughter of Mary Gilchrist Tatum Blanchard and Felix A. Blanchard, M.D., she was reared in Bishopville, S.C., and graduated from Bishopville High School. She received a A.B. degree from Winthrop and an M.D. from The Medical College of South Carolina. Mary Elizabeth completed a residence program at Temple University in Obstetrics and Gynecology and was awarded an M.S. Degree. She was Board Certified by The American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology and enjoyed 30 years of practice in Sumter, S.C. with Dr. R. B. Bultman initially and many years with Dr. J. J. Britton and briefly with Dr. H. T. Harvin, Jr. During these years, Mary Elizabeth served on the staff of Tuomey Hospital. She was active in many professional organizations, the American Medical Association, the South Carolina Medical Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the South Atlantic Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and was past president of the Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Medical Association, the South Carolina Obstetrical and Gynecological Society and the Medical University Alumni Association. In 1995, Winthrop University honored Mary Elizabeth with The Mary Mildred Sullivan Award which acknowledges service to the University and humanity as an outstanding alumna. In 2015, the YMCA of Sumter named her Humanitarian of the Year. Always involved in the Sumter community, Mary Elizabeth was a member of the Junior Welfare League, the Thursday Afternoon Book Club and was past president of the Sumter Pilot Club, the Sumter County Mental Health Association and the Sumter Art Association. She was a devoted member of St. Anne-St. Jude Parish for many years. Her chocolate pound cakes were sought after during the Ladies Club bake sales. Tennis was a vital part of her life, and Mary Elizabeth always played very competitively. She played basketball in high school and always claimed she could outrun her brother, football legend “Doc” Blanchard who played football at West Point and was awarded the Heisman Trophy in 1945. In 1986, Mary Elizabeth retired from the active practice of medicine to play more tennis and bridge, read, and spend time fishing and boating with friends at her lake house. An intrepid traveler, Mary Elizabeth, accompanied by friends and relatives, covered many European and Asian locales with her usual thoroughness and enthusiasm. Free with advice to other travelers, she always checked later to see if the recipient took advantage of those worthy tips. Mary Elizabeth was a well-known raconteur and a much sought-after speaker. Her wide interests and acute attention to detail made her discourses delightful and charming. Her tales of growing up in Bishopville always entertained and evoked wonderful memories for her listeners. In January 2019, Mary Elizabeth was honored by the South Atlantic Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition for contributions to her profession, service to her patients and greater community. This organization covers seven southeastern states. Mary Elizabeth leaves a wide circle of devoted friends, relatives, and former patients. She lived largely, giving careful attention to nurturing each friendship and serving others with a generous spirit. Surviving are two nieces, Jo Mills (Gary) of Stockdale, Texas, Mary Theresa Midkiff (Aaron) and a nephew, Felix A. Blanchard, III (Karin) of Hickory, N.C. Two grandnephews, five grandnieces, several great-grandnieces and nephews, and a cousin, William G. Tatum (Mary) of McColl, SC. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Felix A. Blanchard, Jr., and his wife, Jody. A private Mass of Christian Burial for family and close friends will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church Father Giovannie Nunez, CRM officiating. Interment will be at Roselawn Cemetery in McColl, SC. Memorials may be made to Catholic Community Foundation of S.C. or the Lee County Arts Council Foundation at P.O. Box 313, Bishopville, S.C. 29010, or to a charity of one’s choice. The family would like to express a special thank you to her caregivers, Ms. Mardes Witherspoon, Ms. Laura Ellison, Ms. Vermell Shannon, Ms. Edith Kelly, and Ms. Patricia Williams. On-line condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral and Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements.