Blanche Surratt Lewis

January 21, 1915 - February 12, 2012
Blanche Surratt Lewis

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Blanche Surratt Lewis, 97, of Carolina Beach, NC, passed away Sunday, February 12, 2012 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
The second born and the oldest girl in a family of six children, Blanche Surratt was born in Davidson Co., NC on January 21, 1915 to Ogburn Surratt and Pallie Luther Surratt. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, John Surratt, James Surratt, and Dr. Glen Surratt, and a sister, Dorothy Tuttle.

She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of seventy-three years, Grover Lee Lewis.
In 1943, Blanche and Grover moved from High Point, NC to Carolina Beach so that he could work in the Wilmington Shipyard. It was at this time, Blanche opened a twenty-one room boarding house, called the Raynor Lanier. In the Fall of 1943, Grover designed and together they built the Joy Lee Apartments which still serve as a vacation retreat today.

Blanche also had a great talent for clothing and costume design. She created everything from Ball Gowns to beautiful attire for people who were wheelchair bound.
In 1994, Blanche and Grover retired to a home on Canal Drive directly behind the Joy Lee. Here Blanche enjoyed reading and receiving visitors, some who have vacationed with her for over fifty years. She also enjoyed retelling the old stories of Carolina Beach with many of the local people, remembering “The Way Things Used To Be”. Many hours were also spent holding her special “Gift of Love” a tiny Schnauzer named “Surratt’s Promise” aka “Surrey”.

She leaves behind a daughter, Joy Lee Bordeaux and husband, Billy; granddaughter, Chelle’ Bordeaux Taylor and husband, Albert; two great grandchildren, Alexandria and Jacob Taylor; and one sister, Jessie League all of Carolina Beach, NC; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 pm Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 pm to Celebrate Blanche’s life. Rev. Steve Hall will officiate. Interment will follow in Oakdale Cemetery.

The family would like to express their appreciation to those kind friends who often remembered her with calls, letters, cards, food, flowers, and visits.

Also many thanks to Dr. Neill Musselwhite and his caring staff for the many years of excellent health care.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals, c/o Arab Shrine Club, 4510 South College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28412.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington,NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • February 13, 2012
    Peggy Surratt Hughes says:
    I am so sorry for your loss. But remember Jesus needs SPECIAL people with him also. Love you all

  • February 13, 2012
    Janell Surratt Stephenson says:
    I have very fond memories of visiting you and Grover with my dad. You will be missed.

  • February 12, 2012
    Batchelor Family says:
    We will miss you Aunt Blanche so much. Joy our prayers are with you and we love you guys. Derek, Bobbie, Aaron, and Travis

  • February 13, 2012
    Russell Sapp says:
    So sorry for the lost of Mrs. Lewis, what a great and caring woman. Thought of her as a grandmother. I have shed a few tears thinking of her. She was a very important part of my childhood and into adulthood. Will never forget her or Mr. Lewis. I am glad that they are together again. I will miss them greatly, and Carolina Beach will not be the same. I love you Mrs. Lewis.

  • February 13, 2012
    Ken Surratt Family says:
    Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. We wish we could be there with you at this time. Love- Ken and family