Blanche M Malachi

Blanche Meryl Malachi, age 89, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on January 24, 2024. Born on March 24, 1934, in Staten Island, New York, Blanche was the daughter of William Mathis and May Phyfer Mathis DeGroat.

Blanche was a remarkable woman with a vibrant personality and a deep love for her family. She was born and raised in Staten Island, and although she moved to Dyess AFB, Abilene, Texas with her husband John, she never lost her New York spirit. Blanche had a distinctive New York accent that would resurface whenever she visited her sisters and cousins back home. She was a devoted fan of the NY Giants and Mets, always cheering them on with enthusiasm.

Family was of utmost importance to Blanche. As the oldest of six siblings, she cherished her role as a sister and took immense joy in spending time with her loved ones. Throughout her life, she embraced new experiences and pursued various interests. Blanche participated in arts and crafts classes on military bases, traveled with the NCO Wives Club, and joined bowling leagues. She also dedicated her time as a Girl Scout Leader, an active member of the PTA, and a caregiver and pre-school teacher for her grandchildren.

In retirement, Blanche became a valued member of her community. She joined Citizens on Patrol, working closely with the Fort Worth Police Department to ensure the safety of her neighborhood. Blanche was actively involved in several organizations, including the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and St. Anne's Society. Additionally, she served as a Lector at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, where she found solace and strength in her faith.

Blanche is survived by her loving daughters, Denise Malachi Inman, Lisa Ann Malachi, and Kimberely Malachi Moore (Timothy A. Moore). She will also be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Jeffery W. Inman II, John R. Inman, Elizabeth R. Inman, and her great-grandchild,

Ian M. Sparks. Blanche is also survived by her sister, Saundra Mathis Graham, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Blanche was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John A. Malachi, Jr., her son, John A. Malachi III, her parents, William Mathis, and May Phyfer Mathis DeGroat, her brothers, Richard Mathis and Keith DeGroat, and her sisters, Gwendolyn Mathis Washington, and Janet DeGroat.

Blanche began her career as a Switchboard Operator in Manhattan, New York, until her marriage to John in 1955. Throughout her husband's military service, Blanche admirably managed their household, raising their four children, and relocating nine times across two countries and four states. Once her youngest child entered grade school, she re-entered the workforce as a teacher's aide. Eventually, Blanche worked for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service until her retirement in September 1988.

Blanche found comfort and community at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, where she worshipped faithfully. Her faith was a source of strength and inspiration throughout her life.

In her leisure time, Blanche indulged in her hobbies, which included reading, going to the movies, sewing, gardening, and, most importantly, spending quality time with her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to either the Alzheimer's Association-North Central Texas (https://www.alz.org/northcentraltexas) or the University of North Texas Health Science Center: The Health & Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities.

A visitation for Blanche will be held Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Laurel Land Funeral Home of Fort Worth, 7100 CROWLEY RD, FORT WORTH, TX 76134. A funeral service will occur Friday, February 2, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at OUR MOTHER OF MERCY, 1001 E Terrell Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104. A committal will occur Friday, February 2, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 7100 CROWLEY RD, FORT WORTH, TX 76134.