Blanche Strickland Collins Halley

Blanche Strickland Collins Halley, 93, entered into rest February 9, 2010. Blanche was a lifelong resident of Tallahassee. She was a third generation Leon County resident, growing up on State Road 12 near Lake Iamania. Blanche graduated from Florida State University Developmental Research School (Florida High) in 1934. She attended Lively Technical School and then followed with a career with the State of Florida, retiring from the DHSMV. A devoted Methodist, Blanche grew up as a member of Beth Page United Methodist Church, where she played the piano and taught Sunday School. She later transferred her membership to Trinity United Methodist Church where she was a member for 50 years. She was active in Sunday School, the Altar Guild and a lifetime member of the United Methodist Women until her health no longer pennitted. She was also active in the TMH Auxiliary, Marzuq Shrine Auxiliary, as well as the Tallahassee Lions Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Eugene Halley. She is survived by her son, Thomas L. “Tommy” Collins, of Tallahassee; two daughters, Mary Alice Bolton (husband Richard) of Fayetteville, Ga., and Rebecca Collins Bishop (husband AI) of Tallahassee; stepsons, John B. Halley (wife Barbara) of Va., C.E. “Gene” Halley Jr. (wife Stephanie) of Chipley; eight grandchildren; seven stepgrandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 10 step great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 13, at 1:00 p.m. EST at Trinity United Methodist Church, with burial at Oakland Cemetery.