Edna "Frances" Blanton, 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Fort White, FL on Sunday, May 21, 2023. Frances was born December 18, 1938, in Pearson, Georgia to John Quincy Gillis SR. and Birtha Gilbert Gillis Brannon. Frances was preceded in death by her father, mother, and loving husband Leon Mixon Blanton, two sisters, Carol Brannen Myer and Dorothy Smith, brothers, John Quincy Gillis Jr. and Henry Brannen, son, Ronald Leon Blanton.

Frances is survived by Charles "Buddy" Peacock, her life companion, friend, and dancing partner. Frances is survived by daughters, Shelia Neal, Susan Mullis, and Shelly Olowokandi , son, Darrell Edward Blanton, and wife Cynthia ( Cindy ) Blanton, Sisters, Patricia Thomas and husband Howard, Anna Jean Higgins and husband Johnny, 13 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

Frances loved working in the restaurant business. In her early years, she owned and operated the Main Street Coffee Shop in Alachua, FL   Frances retired from the Rebel House Restaurant in 1996. Frances enjoyed watching sports, especially the Florida Gators and NASCAR.

A celebration of Life will be held for the family at 1 PM on June 10th at Deep Creek Advent Christian Church 381 NW Colt Glen Lake City, FL 32055. Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of cremation arrangements. Please leave words of encouragement for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com