Blanche Corley

Francis Lee Blanche Corley, known affectionately as Blanche, passed away peacefully at home in the loving embrace of her family on September 22, 2026. Born on April 18, 1928, in Burnet, Texas, Blanche lived a vibrant and impactful life, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Blanche was the cherished daughter of Mell Agnes Nelson and Andy Schooley. Her life was filled with love and adventure, beginning with her marriage to Curtis Hillman Corley on November 16, 1946, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. They spent the day with a box lunch and visited the Carlsbad Caverns. Together, they raised two wonderful sons, John Douglas Corley and Andy Laverl Corley. Tragically, Curtis, Andy, and her sister Eleanor West predeceased her, yet their memories continued to illuminate her life.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Blanche is survived by her son John Douglas Corley and his wife, Deborah Lee Dills-Corley. Her legacy is further carried on by her grandchildren, Fred Corley, Curtis Wade Corley and his wife Shannan Marie Holstein-Corley, and Sandra Lee, as well as her great-grandchildren Micheala Taylor Poppell, Karrington Nicole Corley, Tiffany Denise Corley and her husband Andy Chanthalyxay, Carter Leo Corley and his wife Chayanne Summer Sailor-Corley, Chloe Emma Corley and her husband Dakota Jones, Melinda Rose Poppell, Esme Adelle Corley, and Jasper Hilmon Corley. Blanche was also blessed with a great-great-granddaughter, Sophia Marie Chantale Corley.

Despite having only a third-grade education, Blanche was a self-taught reader and writer, known for her beautiful handwriting and sharp business acumen. She was politically minded and fiercely supported Curtis in his political endeavors. Her community involvement in Leander, Texas, was profound; she was known as the matriarch of Leander, integral to the town's development, and instrumental in opening its first library and raising funds for essential services.

Blanche was a woman of many talents and passions. She loved dancing, singing, and baking, often gracing her friends and family with delicious pies, cookies, and cakes. Some may not know, but she worked as a nail technician in a barber shop. She was a familiar face at city council meetings and a relentless advocate for education and community service. Her home was a sanctuary of hospitality, where laughter and encouragement flowed freely.

A service celebrating Blanche's extraordinary life will be held on September 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, located at 306 E Polk Street, Burnet, Texas 78611. In honor of Blanche’s spirit and dedication to community, the family kindly suggests donations be made to local educational or community service initiatives.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Baylor Scott and White Hospice for their compassionate care. Blanche's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her, a testament to a life well-lived and loved.

As a special message from the family, we share the words of Paul Gilbert:

"Your Own Version

You are writing a Gospel,

A chapter each day,

By deeds that you do,

By words that you say.

Men read what you write,

Whether faithless or true;

Say, what is the Gospel

According to you?"

Rest in peace, Granny. Your story continues in all of us.