Blanche L. Holman, age 83 passed away on Saturday June 21, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Joliet, IL.
Blanche was born June 11, 1942, in Earle, Arkansas, to Leslie and Blanche Miller, who both preceded her in death. She was the fourth of thirteen children, two sisters (Florine and Ann) and three brothers (Robert, James and Archie) preceded her in death.
Blanche married Woodrow Holman on September 1, 1963, in Proctor, AR. The couple relocated to Joliet, IL in 1964, where they raised their six children. They were married for 45 years until Woodrow’s death on September 8, 2008.
Blanche worked for over 25 years at St. Joseph’s Hospital, starting in housekeeping and eventually working in Physical Therapy as an aide, a role she enjoyed and one where she worked alongside co-workers who became her dear friends.
Blanche accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age. She became a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Joliet, IL, in 1995. After their long careers, Woodrow and Blanche retired and relocated to Drummonds, TN in 1997, where they were both very active members of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Drummonds, TN. Blanche led the kitchen staff, preparing meals for various church events and activities like Vacation Bible School. She relocated back to the Joliet, IL area in 2010, and joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Lockport, IL.
Blanche will always be remembered as a devoted wife, a dedicated employee, a loving mother, and “OMA” to her children, grandchildren (Marcus J. Murphy and Elijah A. Holman preceded her in death) and great grandchildren. She provided comfort and care to her family and many others, meeting their needs in any way she could but most notably through the amazing, soulful meals she prepared.
Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children: Sharon, Anthony (Jenneice), Vurnell (Tamara), Bryan (Natalie), Felicia, and Tasha; 17 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; sisters: Earma, Ida (Howard), Betty Jean (Johnny), and Maxine, brothers: William “Sonny” (Regina), Arthur (Arnette), and Leslie Jr. “Ricky”; sisters-in-law: Irma Jean, Louella, Carlene, Bessie, Inez, and Shirley, brothers-in-law: Burnell (Carrie), Curtis (Heidi), and William “Pep”; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and all those who knew her as OMA.
Initial arrangements will be held Monday, June 30, 2025 at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 18101 W. Oak Avenue, Lockport, IL 60441 where the wake and visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a celebration of life service at Noon. Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of the local arrangements.
Final services in Tennessee will be held at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, 3220 Wilkinsville Road, Drummonds, TN 38023 where the wake and visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of life service at Noon, on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Interment immediately following the service at St. Mark Cemetery, Drummonds, TN.
Jefferson Mortuary in Millington, TN is assisting the family with their Tennessee arrangements.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com