Mary Helen Daniels Blanford

Mary Helen (Daniels) Blanford passed on November 17, 2025, in Poinciana, Florida. Mary Helen was born in Vernon, Florida, on July 28, 1942, to Theodore and Hazel (White) Daniels. She graduated from Port St. Joe High School in (1959), where she was a stand-out basketball player known across surrounding counties as a force.

Helen married J.C. Blanford (deceased) in (1959) and they set out on a military journey that would provide national and international travels to destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska and Japan.

She became a mother to five children (J.C Blanford Jr. (deceased), Darren Stephan Blanford, Rhonda Blanford-Green, Daniel Chad Blanford, and Doland Keith Blanford.

Her heart and spirit were fed by her greatest love, her grandchildren and great-grand, Sheridan, John, Aspen, Sterling, Jason, Eden, Savannah, and Mya.

She is survived by her partner of (21 years) Ray Rishel. She is also survived and predeceased by her 5 brothers, 3-sisters and numerous nieces, nephews and grands.

Helen was an avid bowler who competed successfully and won numerous national tournaments as a member of the Denver Strikettes. She also had a deep appreciation for fashion and nature, loved telling stories, and generously shared her wisdom while advocating for the causes and people she loved the most.

A Gravesite Celebration and Scattering of Ashes Ceremony will be held 11:30 AM on December 13, 2025 at the Forest Hill Cemetery Pavilion, Port St. Joe Florida.

In lieu of flowers, Helen asks that family and friends consider donating to the Mary H. (Daniels) Blanford Fund. All proceeds will support the George Washington Elementary/High School Museum in her honor. (Fund Link: https://gofund.me/606c89ea6).