Monday

Blanche Stewart Wheat passed away Saturday June 11, 2011 at Old Jefferson Community Care Center in Baton Rouge at age 97. She was a resident of Kentwood and graduated from Kentwood High School in 1932. At a young age, she was given the responsibility of raising her four children alone. At that time, she bought land on which she farmed, raised cows, pigs, and chickens to help support herself and her children. She was a hard worker and enjoyed working outside. She was employed by Brown Morris Grocery and Hardware for over 30 years. She taught the four year olds, for many years, at First Baptist Church where she was an active member. She is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Eirick Frey of Baton Rouge, Gloria Thompson and husband, Charles of Gonzales; one son, Roger Wheat and wife, Joyce of Zachary; and daughter-in-law, JoAnn Savoie Wheat of Prairieville; two sisters, Othell Williams and husband, Joe Williams, Jr. of Kentwood, Erline Allen and husband, Rev. Bill Allen of Denham Springs, and sisters-in-law, Alpha Stewart, Irene Stewart, and Betty Tate. Also, grandchildren Greg Eirick , Sherri Ingram, Tammy Roberts, Teresa Miller, Dereck Wheat, Tiffany Dyason, Misty Whipple and L.J. Bankston; 18 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, D.W. and Etta Wilson Stewart; her husband, Curtis D. Wheat; a son, Marvin E. Wheat; a grandson, Mark Eirick; sister, Lillian Raborn; brothers, L. D., H.B., and Eldrige Stewart. The family would like to thank Old Jefferson Care Center and Hospice Compassus for their care and help. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, 501 Ave. G in Kentwood from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday June 13. Visiting will resume at First Baptist Church, 5th St., Kentwood, on Tuesday from 9:00 am until religious service at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Burial at East Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, East Fork Community.