H*5016 Resolution, By Horne, Knight, Harrell and A.D. Young
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE
 OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF BARBARA BLANTON OF SUMMERVILLE AND TO
 EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

   05/25/10  House  Introduced and adopted HJ-8

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF BARBARA BLANTON OF SUMMERVILLE AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Barbara Blanton of Summerville on May 1, 2010; and

Whereas, born on April 2, 1936, in Moultrie, Georgia, Barbara Blanton was the daughter of Clarence Milton Garner and Verna Bell Garner. Showing early promise in sports, she graduated from Moultrie High School, where she was a member of the tennis and basketball teams. She was named All-State after leading her team to a basketball state championship, a personal triumph during which she scored thirty-six points to clinch the title; and

Whereas, young Barbara attended the University of Georgia for one year and moved to Summerville after her marriage to the love of her life, Bufort C. Blanton. She graduated from Baptist College at Charleston and taught in the Dorchester District 2 school system for forty years, spending most of her career at Summerville High School as a physical education teacher and tennis coach; and

Whereas, the first tennis coach at Summerville High School, Mrs. Blanton coached for thirty years. During her career, she was named regional coach of the year and was among the first inductees into the Summerville High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Shortly before her retirement in 2005, Summerville High School named its tennis facility in her honor, the Barbara Blanton Courts; and

Whereas, believing in active involvement in her community, she and her dearest friend and fellow coach, Teresa Kendle, gave swim lessons to many children for several years at Miler Country Club, where she held the title of aquatics director; and

Whereas, after her retirement, she continued her regular attendance at most Summerville High sports events, always wearing Green Wave garb and a smile on her face. She was also an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous and had proudly picked up her three-year chip on April 25, 2010; and

Whereas, a woman of faith, Barbara Blanton was a member of Summerville Baptist Church in Summerville. She loved the Lord and studied His Word daily; and

Whereas, she leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of fifty-four years, Bufort Blanton; three sons, Bo Blanton, Ben Blanton, and Britt Blanton; and eight grandchildren; and

Whereas, an iconic figure in so many lives, Mrs. Blanton is remembered as a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, mentor, teacher, and friend. She will be missed. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Barbara Blanton of Summerville and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Bufort Blanton for the family.