Blanch Grier, age 69 of Marietta, passed away, Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta.

Born February 21, 1948, Blanch was the youngest in a family of five. Her family moved around throughout South Georgia a lot during her youth.  She settled in Brunswick as an adult, where she began her career at BellSouth as a telephone operator in 1965. Her children, Scott and Chris, were born and raised in Brunswick, until she moved to Savannah with the phone company. During a business trip to Chicago, she met Ellis Grier and they married in August 1979. Bringing together their families, which included Ellis' daughter, Ursla, they moved to Marietta. Blanch continued working with BellSouth as a corporate trainer until her and Ellis' retirement in 1991. They then moved to Richmond Hill, GA and Pembroke, GA before returning to Marietta in 2015. During those years, she continued working as a contractor for BellSouth and eventually worked part time at the Pembroke Phone Company.

Known as Mattie to some, Blanch to others and Nana to many, she was a faithful servant of God. Her heart, while physically weakened, was full of love for everyone she knew. Her happiness came from being surrounded by family and friends. She is remembered by all as a kind and loving woman.

She enjoyed traveling and loved spending time at the beach and out West. Blanch was also an avid reader, favoring Stephen King books, and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, as well. She loved taking pictures to capture the memories of the people she was with and the places she visited. She enjoyed eating out, but was well known for having trouble making up her mind – and couldn't make a decision until she asked everyone at the table what they were ordering.

She was proceeded to Heaven by her mother and all of the siblings she was raised with. She is survived by her husband, Ellis; children Ursla, Scott and Chris and granddaughters Leah, Lindsey and Addison; and many nieces and nephews she treasured. In addition, she has two half-sisters and six half-brothers on her father's side.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at the Sandy Plains Baptist Church, with the remains placed in state at the church at 1:00 p.m., Dr. Al Southerland and Rev. Wayne Grier will officiate with the interment to follow in Mountain View Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sandy Plains Baptist Church, 2825 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta, Ga.  30066

On-line condolences may be made at www.mariettafuneralhome.org