Blanche McKinney Stephen

Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10

Mrs. Blanche McKinney Stephen was born June 10, 1933, in Greenville County to the late Clifton “Dock” McKinney and Iola Croft McKinney. She was united in holy matrimony to Samuel Stephen in September 1978.

A retiree of Bristol Meyers Pharmaceutical Company in Hillside, New Jersey, Blanche continued working part time until her health declined. After her retirement, her heart’s desire was to return to her South Carolina home.

As a youth, Blanche joined Shady Grove Baptist Church in Pelzer, South Carolina, where she attended for many years before relocating to New Jersey. She attended Liberty Baptist Church in Elizabeth, NJ, and served as a faithful member of the choir. Upon her return home, she united with Flat Rock Missionary Baptist Church in Piedmont, South Carolina and served faithfully until her health began to decline.

Blanche was well known for her sense of style, her vivacious smile and her love of family and church.

She was preceded in death by her son, Milford DeWayne Anderson; four sisters, Iola McKinney Anderson, Frances Foster, Lillie B. Watson and Willie LeGrand; two brothers, James Oscar McKinney and Horace McKinney. Being the youngest in the family, Blanche was also the last surviving member of the McKinney’s clan.

In addition to her devoted husband, Samuel Stephen, Blanche leaves to cherish fond and loving memories, a granddaughter, Paris Moyd of Plainfield, NJ; a sister-in-law, Betty Stephen of Atlanta, GA; a dedicated friend, Mrs. Helen Shumate, and a host of nieces and nephews, all of which she made feel very special; and other relatives and friends.