DURHAM, NC – Blanche Louise Harrell Gipson was born in Ahoskie, North Carolina on July 11, 1935 to John David Harrell, Sr. and Blanche Slaughter Harrell, both of whom preceded her in death. She was the fifth of their 17 children.  Blanche departed this life and entered eternal rest on March 2, 2018, in Durham, North Carolina.

She was educated in the public schools of Hertford County, North Carolina and graduated as Valedictorian from Robert L. Vann High School. She matriculated at North Carolina College (NCCU) where she was a Mathematics major and Physics minor; and

graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. degree, in 1957. Subsequently, she moved to New York and worked at Bell Aircraft in Buffalo, NY, as a mathematician. Upon leaving Bell Aircraft, she began a stellar career as a mathematics teacher in the New York Public School System. While teaching, Blanche furthered her education by earning the M.S. degree in Mathematics from New York University. After decades as an extraordinary mathematics educator, Blanche retired and ultimately moved to Durham, North Carolina to be near her extended family.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, John Harrell, Jr., Judge Robert Harrell, Sr., George Kelly Harrell, Virginia H. Woodard, Hazel H. Rouson, Yvonne Harrell, Loisteen Harrell, Rev. Kenneth Harrell, Sr., and William Earl Harrell.

She leaves to mourn her passing one sister, Dr. Cynthia L. Harrell – Durham, NC; five brothers, Mr. Arthur L. Harrell, Sr. (Ethel) – Elmont, NY, Dr. Sampson E. Harrell (Lizzie), Mr. Julius L. Harrell, Sr. (Janie), Mr. Joseph A. Harrell, Sr. (Cheri), and Dr. Russell Harrell (Cynthia), all of Durham, NC; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Rosie Harrell – Asheville, NC, Mrs. Stella Harrell – Rockingham, NC and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Fisher Memorial Funeral Parlor, Inc. Services will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2018 with visitation – 12:30 pm and  service – 1:00 pm at the Cup of Salvation Deliverance Church, located at 70 Parkside Plaza, 1020 Hwy US-70 East, Durham, NC 27703.