Blanche B. Debose

Blanche Banks Debose, a beacon of joy and faith, gracefully departed this earthly life on October 21, 2026, at the grand age of 92, leaving behind wisdom that will forever warm our hearts. Blanche was born to McKinley and Rose Barnes Banks in Smithfield, Virginia. She was married to the late Russell H. Debose for 42 years.

Blanche was indeed a beautiful soul whose unwavering faith in Christianity was the way she chose to walk through life, being baptized in 1945, and later joining Oak Street A.M.E. Zion Church in 1975, under the Pastorship of Rev. Whitley.

She was a graduate of Isle of Wight County Training School and Virginia State College (University), earning a two-year Secretarial Course Certificate. After completing her course work, she returned home to her high school as secretary for one year. She was employed as the Secretary in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Virginia State University for forty-four years.

Blanche had a hidden talent of sewing to some and was very stylist with it. She designed her entire wardrobe, ninety percent of the time. If you ever gleamed at her attire at any time, it was created by her. She enjoyed her puzzles, soap operas and playing chess.

She has been a member of the Tri-Cities Association of Educational Office Professionals since the 1980’s. In 1993, she earned the Certified Educational Office credentials issued by the National Association of Educational Office Professionals; and in 1995, she was named Office Professional of the Year. Her current position with the TCAEOP was Treasurer.

Her organizational skills were impeccable. She wore many “hats” at the Mighty Oak: Bulletin Clerk since the 1980’s, Board of Stewards, Church Clerk, Treasurer of the Conference Assessment Account, the Quarterly Conference Clerk and the Treasurer of the local Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society. Her commitment, contributions and dedication to God’s Service and Oak Street A.M.E. Zion Church were immeasurable.

She received many awards: Appreciation and Service Awards to Virginia State University in 1995 and 1997; Certificate of Recognition on Secretaries Day from the Governor of Virginia, the Honorable, George W. Allen in 1998; Certificate of Special Recognition for Dedicated Service in the Health, Physical Education Department in 1998; Inducted into the Health, Physical Education and Recreation’s First Hall of Fame in 1999; Certificate of Congratulations on Retirement from Virginia State University in 1999; Recognized as one of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society Trailblazers in 2025; Oak Street A.M.E. Zion Church, “Lay Person” of the Year 2026.

Blanche leaves a legacy of unwavering faith and is survived by her nephew, Walter Parker (Linda); nieces, Courtney and Stephanie; other family members and friends; dedicated friends, Charles Townes, Alva Aaron, Gail and Preston Hayes, Roger and Patsy Cosey; her Oak Street Church Family; and the Tri-Cities Association of Educational Office Professionals.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, October 30, 2026, at Oak Street A.M.E. Zion Church, 25 W. Wythe Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Reginald M. Jones, Pastor and eulogist. The entombment to follow at Southlawn Memorial Park.

The family request in lieu of flowers donations be made to Oak Street A.M.E. Zion Church. In the memo, please notate: “In Memory of Blanche B. Debose”.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6317712?fl=so&fe=fs