John Henry Blanchard 90, of Suffolk, departed this life Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009 at Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth, Va. He was a native of Nansemond County and the son of the late James Enoch "Jim" Blanchard and Charlotte Smith Blanchard. He was also predeceased by his wife, Lue Murt Saunders Blanchard; sister, Mary Ethel Riddick; and daughter, Juanita (Mickey) Lewis.

He is survived by his daughter, the Rev. Dr. Rose M. (Willie) Cooper; sons, James M. Blanchard (Barbara), Minister Johnnie G. Turner and Keith P. Turner (Hattie); 18 grandchildren; one special granddaughter, Sharon B. McCray; 34 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; seven stepchildren and one nephew; cousins and other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held at noon, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009 at Crocker Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Dr. Carlton R. Upton Sr. Interment will be in Laurel Hill Church Cemetery (Holland area). The family will receive friends at his daughter’s home, 305 Roland St. in Suffolk. Crocker Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.