Mrs. Blanche Claudia Johnson, 86, of Gaffney, South Carolina, peacefully gained her heavenly wings at 5:42 pm June 1st, 2020, at her Charlotte Square Assisted Living residence of Charlotte, North Carolina. She was born on December 19, 1934, to the late Rev. Claude E. and Bessie McCollum Rice of Gaffney, South Carolina.

After moving to New York Blanche worked at the Van Duren Nursing home in Corona, NY and then at the Crown Plaza Hotel on Astoria Blvd in Queens, NY where she happily reached retirement. In 1998, Blanche moved back home to Gaffney and later moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Blanche had a heart of gold with a nurturing soul. She was a God-fearing woman who loved to listen to gospel music, read the Bible, Women’s World, The Gaffney Ledger and her Word Search puzzles. She loved to watch Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune if she wasn’t watching the news. Blanche was wholeheartedly devoted to her children and watching her grandchildren grow. She was strong, determined and a fiercely independent woman who led by example. There was never a job too big or too small that she couldn’t tackle. There was definitely no ailment she didn’t cure without the use of raw garlic. Blanche was as pure and authentic as her remedies and she will be remembered with love that stands the test of time.

Blanche was preceded in death by her husband Wellna Johnson; a son, James Arthur Rice; a daughter, Claudia Rice; four brothers, David Rice (Priscilla), Wilbert N. Rice, George Rice and John Rice (Vera Mae); four sisters, Ozzetta Rice (Richard), Alice Rorey (John), Elizabeth Valentine (Robert Sr.) and Wilhelmenia O’faire (Luther).

Blanche leaves to cherish her memory: two siblings; Rev. Joseph Rice (Ollie) Compton, CA, Rev. Mitchell T. Rice Sr (Cheryl) Baltimore, MD,; five children; Jerry D. Rice (Laura) Harlem, NY, Paul F. Johnson Baltimore, MD, Geraldine Johnson Charlotte, NC, Llewellyn Johnson (Betty) Montgomery, AL, Elizabeth M. Johnson (Corona, NY); 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and dearest friends.

Public Viewing will be Friday, 1:00-6:00, June 12th.

The Funeral Service will be Saturday, 12:00 noon, June 13th, at The Gilmore Mortuary, with Rev. Mitchell T. Rice Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in Limestone Cemetery.