Our mother, Blanche Byrum Koke, was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park on Thursday, October 23, 2014 beside her husband of 27 years, William Henry Koke. It was a private graveside service attended by family and close friends with Reverend Daniel Nash officiating.
Born in Hart County, Georgia to Fletcher and Ethel Hall Byrum on June 30, 1925; she was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband, a brother Broadus Byrum and 2 sisters, Faye McKern and Vinell White, all of Hartwell, Ga.
Surviving her are her son, Larry Koke (Evelyn); her daughters, Susan and Debbie Koke; a nephew she helped raise, Bill Kleinen (Selena) and their son Creed, who was dear to her heart. She also had 2 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brothers, Edd Byrum and Ray Byrum of Hartwell, Ga who, despite ill health, made trips to Anderson to be with her. She has two surviving sisters, Mae Ellen Brown of Carnesville, Ga and Betty Byrum Bridges of Anderson, SC who were by mother’s side throughout her illness.
Blanche and her husband helped to establish Concord Baptist Church, where she was a member and nursery worker for 25 years until declining health made her homebound.
She was a much loved daughter, wife, mother, sister, and friend; known as “Granny” to many of her extended family. Blanche loved nothing better than gardening, cooking, caring for, and spending time with family and friends.
We love and miss you mama, and we will never forget the legacy you left behind of unselfish devotion and love for your family.
May you and God continue to watch over us until we meet again.
The Sosebee Mortuary and Crematory, Downtown Chapel, is assisted the family with arrangements.
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