Obituary of Marian G. Blakely

A Witness to the Resurrection will be held in the Parlor of Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, 6500 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29206, on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Dr. Ellen Fowler Skidmore officiating.  A private graveside service will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Marian passed away September 23rd, peacefully at home surrounded by family. Born October 7, 1924, in Biscoe, NC, she was the daughter of the late Charles E. & Annie Elizabeth Stutts McLeod. In 1943, Marian received her nursing degree from Lewis-Gale Hospital in Roanoke, VA, and went into nursing at Camp Lee, VA, where she met her future husband, Frank E. Blakely. They married in 1948 and she spent the next 20 years as a military wife, traveling to various parts of the world, finally settling in Columbia after her husband retired. Marian was an active member of Ikebana International Chapter 182 (Japanese flower arranging) serving as treasurer for many years.

Married for 60 years, Marian was a true partner to her husband and always by his side as they renovated their home, as well as other projects such as car restoration. She was a loving sister, mother, and grandmother; always having a grandchild by her side in the kitchen.

In addition to her parents, Marian was predeceased by her husband Lt. Col. Frank E. Blakely (US Army Ret.) and four brothers, David C., Milton P., Bobby G., & Winfred S. McLeod. Her surviving brothers are: C.E. McLeod (Jo) of Vacaville, CA & Roy G. McLeod (Sewell) of Richmond, VA. She is also survived by her children: stepdaughter, Margaret J. Swartz (Richard) of Waycross, GA, son, Col. Frank E. Blakely II (US Army Ret.) (Lynn) of Seguin, TX, daughters, Marian Candace Blakely & Lisa B. Isaacs (David) both of Columbia, SC; four grandchildren, Charles Mack Blakely of Houston, TX, Annie Elizabeth Blakely of San Antonio, TX, Mindy Lee & Jamie Renee Isaacs both of Columbia, SC; two great-grandchildren, Sadie J. and Gemma M. Peake Blakely of Austin, TX.

The family wishes to thank Agape Hospice (Dee, Shannon, Keisha, Pam, Susan, Tim, & Eric) for providing care & comfort. Donations may be made to Forest Lake Presbyterian Church in memory of Marian G. Blakely.