Nancy Holland Blanford

Nancy Holland Blanford, 95, of Tampa, Florida, went to be with our Lord on Friday, September 10, 2021. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 30, 1926, she was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor G. Holland, Sr. A bright and popular student, Nancy pledged Delta Delta Delta sorority at the College of William and Mary, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1947. Following commencement, she began teaching high school in Williamsburg, Virginia, and met the love of her life, George Thomas Blanford, III, whom she wed in 1949. They were happily married for 64 years until his death in 2013.

The couple began their marriage in Jacksonville, Florida, and their family in St. Augustine, Florida, filling their home with four beautiful children. George’s successful career with the National Gypsum Company led the family to Gainesville and Tampa, Florida, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Fort Worth, Texas. The consummate mother and homemaker, Nancy took great pride in decorating and entertaining in each home – making the Blanford’s house THE place to go for wonderful food and fun. The family made lifelong friends with every move.

Even as a busy wife and mother, Nancy served tirelessly as a member in the local Methodist Church, Daughters of the American Revolution, Junior League and Garden Club – all of this while volunteering in her children’s schools and attending every athletic and social event.

The family returned to Tampa in 1973 and renewed membership in their beloved Palma Ceia Methodist Church, immersing themselves in the fellowship. Nancy and George helped with the Youth group, chaperoned mission trips with their children, joined a church Couples Club and traveled with the church’s Circuit Riders.

Nancy had a passion for gardening and cooking; always setting a beautiful table. She was an accomplished seamstress and pianist - having a dedicated sewing room and piano in each home. Both George and Nancy enjoyed collecting antiques and fine art. They obtained beautiful pieces throughout their married life and in their many travels.

In 1990, Nancy and George built a vacation home in Waynesville, North Carolina. Both said their happiest memories were with family and friends there. They loved entertaining on the large porch overlooking the Blue Ridge mountains.

Nancy is survived by her four children: Anne Blanford White (Doug) of High Point, North Carolina, Meredith Leigh Blanford of Tampa, Florida, George Thomas Blanford, IV (Pam) of Monroe, Georgia, and Martha Blanford Carr (Mark) of Tampa, Florida; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, 3723 W. Bay to Bay Boulevard, Tampa Florida 33629 or Metropolitan Ministries, 2002 N. Florida Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33602.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33609. The family will host a reception following the service.

Nancy’s family would like to thank her compassionate care givers, the Brookdale staff and her dearest friend and helpmate, Olivia Brooks, for their love and support.