Mildred Marie Stanfield Blan

Mildred Marie Stanfield Blan departed this life, to go home to eternal rest on January 8, 2013 at age 95 years and 360 days of age, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born on January 13, 1917, to the late Margaret Garrett Stanfield and James Dillard Stanfield in Pocola, Oklahoma. She was the youngest and last surviving grandchild of William w. Stanfield, Civil War Hero, land developer in Indian Territory and Western Arkansas, farmer and pioneer minister in the Disciples of Christ Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years James Elwood Blan; together they owned businesses throughout Oklahoma and Arkansas. Also preceding her was her only sibling and beloved sister Lola Stanfield Cope. Mildred was a proud graduate of Fort Smith High School class of 1936 and a graduate of New York Fashion Institute School of Millinery.

She was known for her outward and inward beauty. She was a quiet presence. Mildred endeared herself to all who knew her through her selflessness and her love for her family and friends. Her Christian faith defined her; she lived out that faith as a wife, mother and grandmother. She was a member of the Second Presbyterian Church as a child and young lady, but over 70 years ago she joined The Church of the Nazarene and was a member of Fort Smith’s First Church of the Nazarene. She served as a Sunday School Teacher, Missionary Society Officer and various other volunteer positions of the church. Mildred was a past officer in the Fort Smith Parent Teacher Association, various Garden Clubs, and an officer of the Gideon’s International Auxiliary.

Mildred loved Gospel music and sang with her sister on the radio and recorded under a private label.

Most of her life was lived in Fort Smith, Arkansas, but she also lived in Los Angeles, Hollywood, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, and Corinth, MS

Remaining to celebrate her life and remember her with love are: her only child Gary James Blan and his wife Jayna of Fort Smith. Four Grandchildren: Courtney Blan Frazier and her husband Brandon of Dallas, Texas. Dr. Justin Stanfield Blan of Houston, Texas, Barton Christopher Blan and his wife Meagan of Oklahoma City, and Jordan Blan Barbarino and her husband Frank of Fort Smith and Biloxi, MS.

Six great granddaughters: Brooke Elizabeth Frazier, Lauren Alexis Frazier, Mackenzie Kate Blan, Madison Jayna Blan, and twins Macy Elizabeth and Peyton Aubrey Blan.

Also surviving are nieces: Jane Ann Cope Branch of Fort Smith, Joan Crawford of Tulsa, Ella Crawford Lain of Houston, and nephew Barry Crawford of Tulsa.

A going home celebration will be held 12:00 Noon Saturday, January 12, 2013 at First Church of the Nazarene 4813 North O Street Fort Smith, with the Reverend Richard Dickinson officiating. The family will receive friends 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, January 11, 2013 at Fentress Mortuary.

Casket Bearers will be Chad Hall, Mark Kincannon, Shawn McBride, and Grant Pruitt.

Burial will be in her family plot at Mountain View Cemetery in Hackett, Arkansas, under the direction of Fentress Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to First Church of the Nazarene, 4813 North O Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904.