Blanche Scott Jourdan

Blanche S. Jourdan, age 101, was born Blanche Littig Scott on November 16, 1919, in Macon, Georgia. She was the 3rd child of William Hopkins Scott and Martha Bissell Spalding.

Blanche attended Darlington Academy, grades 1-7 and went to Bel Air High School on Gordon Street, graduating after 11th grade in 1936. She continued her education at Western Maryland College (McDaniel College) in Westminster, Maryland, graduating in 1940. While in college Blanche actively participated in many sports and in her senior year was voted President of the Women’s SGA. Returning home to Darlington, she taught math and physical education at Havre de Grace High School.

In 1942, Blanche married Walter B. Jourdan. Walter, a local man, who along with his father operated BGS Jourdan and Sons, a farming and tomato cannery business. Blanche and Walter were good business partners; while he worked the fields and supervised help, she managed the office.

In her youth, Blanche and her siblings would walk from their home, Wildfell, to Glen Cove on the Susquehanna River and cool off from the hot summer heat. As a teenager, she accepted a dare to swim the width of the Susquehanna River. Later she was quoted as saying “It wasn’t the smartest thing I ever did.”.

Blanche was a dedicated member of Grace Memorial Episcopal Church in Darlington. She faithfully taught Sunday School, attended the Ladies Guild, and supported all functions of the church. Blanche and Walter were active members of the Darlington Lions Club for many years. Her other social activities included playing bridge with family and friends, traveling, and working jigsaw puzzles. Blanche especially appreciated her niece Kathleen Foley who faithfully tended to Blanche’s beloved birds and flowers. Blanche loved spending time with her family and enjoyed going out to lunch.

Blanche is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth “Libby” Reeves (Roy) and Blanche “Bonnie” Payne (Matthew); grandchildren Amy (James) Garrison and Scott (Nicole) Reeves; great grandchildren Jennifer J. Garrison, Johnathan C. Garrison, Adam E. Garrison, Kassie S. Reeves, and Parker J. Reeves, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to Blanche’s parents and husband, she was preceded in death by siblings, William Hopkins Scott Jr., Martha Scott Allison, Ann Scott Kelly, John Wakeman Scott, and Margaret Scott Russell.

Pallbearers are Roy E. Reeves, Scott J. Reeves, Parker J. Reeves, Matthew L. Payne, James E. Garrison, Johnathan C. Garrison, and Timothy L. Foley. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are Robert J. Kelly, III, William S. Kelly, William A. Russell, and John W. Scott.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace Memorial Episcopal Church in memory of Blanche Jourdan, PO Box 35, Darlington MD 21034.