Blanche Gaillard – Charleroi, formerly of Philadelphia
On Jan. 25, 2022, Jesus said, “Blanche, job well done. Come unto me and rest.” She was the third of four children born to Arnett T. and Charlotte K Fambrough Wall, on July 10, 1922, in Philadelphia. Her siblings, Dorothy, Arnett Jr. and William, all preceded her in death. Blanche attended Philadelphia Public Schools, graduating from Girls High School, and began her 40-year career at the Veterans Administration in Philadelphia while attending school at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1943, she married Reginald Smith, and from this union two children, Edward and Reneta, were born. At an early age, Blanche was baptized into the African Methodist Episcopal denomination. Because she was an accomplished pianist and alto vocalist, she shared her love for music with everyone as a member of the senior choir, men’s choir pianist, and the Anna B. Payne Chorus at AME Union Church in Philadelphia. In 1973, she remarried Benjamin F Gaillard, and after his death in 1984, in addition to her service to the church, Blanche loved to travel, taking seasonal vacations and cruises with her girlfriends. Due to immediate health concerns, she moved to Charleroi, with her daughter and family in 2016. She continued to walk in God with membership at Bethel AME Church in Monongahela. Blanche leaves behind precious memories and a fruitful legacy. She is survived by her daughter, Reneta and son-in-love Michael Powell of Charleroi; her son, Edward Smith of Philadelphia; three grandchildren, Kelli (Michael) Epperson, Michael Powell and Robert (Nicole) Powell; five great-grandchildren, Khayla, Triniti, Michael, Devonte and Giavanna; three nephews, William A. Wall Jr., Curtis A. Wall and Davis Peterson; four nieces, Melissa (Henry) Cropper, Judy Burton-Sheppard, Allison Washington and Pamela Carter; and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins and church family and friends. Per Blanche’s request, private funeral services were held in Bethel AME Church with Senior Pastor Mortty Ivy officiating. ROBERT A BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC., Monessen, www.billicksfuneralhome.com, has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Third District Women in Ministry Scholarship Fund, mailed to 113 South Frank Blvd., Akron, Ohio, 44313 or $3dwim cash app.
