Obituary of Blanche A.L. Carlson

Blanche A.L. Carlson, 94, passed away Monday, Feb. 19, 2024 at Heritage Green Rehab & Skilled Nursing. A lifelong area resident, she was born Jan. 29, 1930 in Busti, NY, the daughter of the late George William and Bernice Smith Olson. A member of the Panama Baptist Church for 58 years, Blanche dedicated her life to following God's Word, never straying from God's teachings. She was a true Prayer Warrior and kept many prayer journals as she wrote down who she was praying for every day. She was willing and eager to pray for, or with anyone in need of prayers. She instilled her love of God in all her family and loved each and every one of them unconditionally. Blanche taught Sunday school for many years, was a deaconess, and worked on the missions of the church. She taught release time classes at several schools for 20 years with the Bible Club Missionary. She also held Vacation Bible School at the family farm for several years with over 100 children attending. She loved working with children and would welcome all who came. Blanche loved her "new job" after her children were all in school – driving school bus. She drove school bus for Panama Central School for 25 years. She was Treasurer of Bible Club for 20 years - the organization behind kids being able to leave school to go to hear teachings of Jesus. Though not wealthy, Blanche always believed in tithing 10% of any financial gains through her entire life, as the Bible teaches. She always looked at the positive side of life through any of the times of turmoil or challenges. Throughout her life, Blanche's motto was "I am doing the best I can!" She not only said it, she lived it. She never complained about anything, always concerned about everyone else and ready to pray for their needs. It can be said that Blanche was a true believer and disciple for following a Christian life. She's the last of her generation in our family and has now joined her husband and all her siblings and relatives that have gone before her. She is rejoicing with Jesus, and we all say, "Well Done, good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:23 Words that describe our Mom are "Mom, Mother, Grandma, Christian, Follower, Godly, Devout, Forgiving, Righteous, Kind, Humble, Welcoming, Patient, Prayer Warrior, Teacher, Worker, Cook, Baker, Farmer, Loving, Dedicated, and Gracious". Surviving are six children: Barbara Newberry of Copperas Cove, TX, Phillip (Sharon) Carlson of Sherman, NY, Marcia (Jim) Bliss of Jamestown, Cheryl (Chuck) VanRiper of Venice, FL, Annette (Ken) Trout of Great Falls, MT, and John Carlson of Ashville, NY; 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 4 great great-grandchildren. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence H. Carlson in 1991; second husband, Harold C. Tracy in 2010; a daughter, Lucille M. Carlson and son, Paul C. Carlson; and six siblings, George, Arthur, Lawrence and Clarence Olson, Mary Barnes, and Irene Berg. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Panama Baptist Church. The Rev. Andrew Cook will officiate. Burial will be in the Panama Greenwood Cemetery. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home, and for one hour prior to the service in the church Saturday. Memorials may be made to either Panama Baptist Church or Hillcrest Baptist Church.