Blanche Marion

Blanche S. Marion VIRGINIA BEACH - Blanche Stamper Marion, 86, died peacefully in her home in the care of her loving husband Dec. 1, 2008. Born to Shade and Eunice Stamper, she grew up surrounded by brothers, sisters and cousins in Grayson, Ky. She attended Morehead State, leaving there to work with the Army Ground Forces during World War II. Her posting to Washington, D.C., allowed her to meet and marry George L. Marion, U.S. Navy retired, her husband of 64 years. Her husband's 30-year career as a Naval officer, brought with it postings to remarkable places, allowing her and their two daughters to experience wonderful cultures in England, Europe and the Orient. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Order of the Eastern Star, Lynnhaven Chapter 184. She was proud to be a charter member of the Francis Asbury Methodist Church and considered those in the church and the choir to be her family. Treasuring her kind and generous spirit for all time are her husband, George; her two daughters and their families, Sharon and Pat Gruber of Flemington, W.Va., and Sara and Tim Boyd of Chapel Hill, N.C. Her extended family includes a grandson, Chris Gruber, his daughter, Emma Rose; and a granddaughter, Theresa, her husband Steve and their children Mitchel and Spencer. She is also survived by a considerable family throughout Kentucky. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, 1264 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach. The funeral will be celebrated Friday at 11 a.m. in Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, 1871 N. Great Neck Road. Memorial contributions may be made to Francis Asbury United Methodist Church.