Thelma Blanchard

Thelma Pickrel Blanchard

ALTAVISTA Thelma Pickrel Blanchard, 98, of Altavista, died Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at Autumn Care in Altavista.

Born May 19, 1912, in Gretna, she was the daughter of the late Isaac Pickrel and Hester Ann George Pickrel. She spent most of her childhood in and around the area, moving to Altavista and to Greensboro, N.C. After her marriage in 1933 to Charles Di Giulian, she moved to the Washington, D.C., area. In the 1950s, she worked at Jelleff's Department Store for a while and became manager of the children's department. Here she met and married Curtis Bagget, who died in 1973. Soon after, a friend suggested that she become resident manager for apartment buildings, a job she held until her retirement. She managed many buildings in the Washington area, but none were a bigger challenge than the Watergate. She returned to Altavista in the late 1970s to spend time with her sister, Evelyn Farmer, and her mother, Hester Ann, who lived with her until her marriage to Raleigh Blanchard. Unfortunately, Raleigh passed away in the winter of 1984. One of her greatest pleasures in Altavista was the "Hardee Group" who met at Hardee's for coffee and biscuits every week. Here she made many new friends and renewed friendships with old friends. She spent her last years at Autumn Care of Altavista.

She is survived by a daughter, Marina Del Grosso, of Olney, Md.; a sister, Wilda P. Smith, of St. Petersburg, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth Hoyle (Garry), Carolyn Del Grosso, Michael Del Grosso (Susan), David Del Grosso, James Del Grosso, Angela Martin (David), and Joanna Del Grosso (Mike Badostain); three great-grandchildren, Tristan Hoyle, Katherine Hoyle and Hilary Hoyle; and four great-great-grandchildren, Brady and Joseph Hoyle, and Ashley and Paige Badostain.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday,

Nov. 15, 2010, at Colbert-Moran Chapel by the Rev. Richard T. Woodall. Private interment will follow in Gretna Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Lane Memorial United Methodist Church, Altavista, in memory of Thelma Pickrel Blanchard.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna, is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbert

moran.com.