Obituary of Mary Ellen Demosthenes Blanding

Mary Ellen Demosthenes Blanding, “YiaYia”, 68, beloved wife of Michael “Mike” Blanding, passed away April 14, 2020. Born in Savannah, but a lifetime resident of Sumter, Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late Harry and Eileen Demosthenes. Driven by her devotion for God as a member of First Presbyterian Church, she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Circle Chairman, and assisted in the church office. Mary Ellen also taught for many years at First Presbyterian Preschool. Mary Ellen served her community in many ways. She was a member of the Sumter Junior Welfare League where she served as President and was a longtime volunteer with Sumter United Ministries, Sumter Volunteers, Backpack Blessings, and Feed My Starving Children. Above all else, Mary Ellen was defined by, and will be remembered for her love and devotion to her friends and family. Committed to her husband, children, and grandchildren, she lived for summers at the lake, trips to Fripp Island, and any family gathering. Surviving are her husband Mike of Sumter; two sons, Michael Blanding and wife, Nancyhunter, and John Blanding all of Sumter; four grandchildren, Kathryn, Ansley and Woods Blanding and Camden Blanding; two brothers John Demosthenes (Paula) of Virginia Beach, VA and Paul Demosthenes (Jeanèe) of Cambridge, MA and a sister, Patti Demosthenes of Atlanta, GA and numerous nieces and nephews. A private service will be held and the family is planning a Celebration of Life service that will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Sumter United Ministries, Sumter Volunteers, Backpack Blessings or Feed My Starving Children. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.