Blanche Megan Hartley

Blanche Megan Hartley was born on March 27, 1938, in Georgetown, Guyana, to mother Thelma Regina Nurse (deceased) and father Wilfred Houston (deceased). She was a proud graduate of Wortmanville Primary School and later attended Progressive High School in Guyana. Eager to advance her skills, Blanche pursued secretarial studies, learning shorthand and typewriting. She eventually became a dedicated primary school teacher. On March 28, 1959, Blanche married Woodward Hartley at St. Andrew's Cathedral in Georgetown, Guyana. Together, they had two children, Dane and Wray Hartley. After marriage and motherhood, Blanche worked as a secretary in the Ministry of Education until she moved to the United States in 1971. In New York City, Blanche found work in the Garment District. In 1980, she and her family settled in Queens, New York, where she later adopted her daughter, Amelia Hartley (deceased). During her time in the U.S., Blanche became deeply involved in spiritual life, serving as a devoted member of the Children of Zion Spiritual Church and St. Gabriel's Spiritual Church in Brooklyn, New York. Her faith led her to become an ordained Bishop in June 2017. Blanche found joy in hosting social events for family and friends, always offering delicious food, music, and warm hospitality. A homemaker at heart, she loved to cook and share her recipes with others. She was also admired for her sense of fashion. As the matriarch of the family, she took great pride in organizing holidays and birthday celebrations and often holding gatherings at her church. In September 2019, Blanche moved to Palm Coast, Florida, where she enjoyed relaxing mornings, watching her favorite TV game shows, staying in touch with loved ones, and honoring her Sabbath day. Blanche passed away on September 12, 2025, in Palm Coast, Florida. She is survived by her husband, Woodward Hartley; sons, Dane Hartley (wife Donna) and Wray Hartley (wife Vonzel); grandchildren, Tavia Hartley, Daniel Nurse, Brooke Hartley, Renee Hartley, Jasmine Hartley, Anthony Hartley, Janille Hartley; and great-grandchildren, Maryann Mercado, Judah Samms, Sephora McIntosh, Delilah Jose, Makedah Samms, Jakobe Jose, Aviva Hartley, and Addisah Samms. Blanche will be deeply missed and cherished in our memory forever. Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.