FANNIE M. BLEDSOE

FANNIE M. BLEDSOE, 83, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Sunday, July 25, 2010, at Parkview Hospital. Born July 10, 1927, in Tutwiler, Miss., she retired from Fort Wayne State Develop-mental Center after 24 years of service. She was the first lady of St. John Missionary Baptist Church for 43 years. She also was a member of the Missionary Society and Senior Choir. Surviving are four children, Rev. James W. (Patricia) Bledsoe Jr., Dr. Larry (Gwendolyn) Bledsoe, Rev. Dr. Saharra Bledsoe, and Jacqueline (Mark) Hughes; a sister, Mozella Hoskins; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Wesley Dodd and Ada Dodd; husband, Rev. James W. Bledsoe; a son, Fred A. Bledsoe; two daughters, Alfreda Bledsoe and Audrey Bledsoe; three sisters; and two brothers. Service is 11 a.m. Monday at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 2421 S. Hanna St. Calling is from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the church. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Ellis Funeral Home.