Francis Lee Blanche Corley

Francis Lee Blanche Corley, known affectionately as Blanche, passed away peacefully at home in the loving embrace of her family on September 22, 2026. Born on April 18, 1928, in Burnet, Texas, Blanche lived a vibrant and impactful life, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Blanche was the cherished daughter of Mell Agnes Nelson and Andy Schooley. Her life was filled with love and adventure, beginning with her marriage to Curtis Hillman Corley on November 16, 1946, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. They spent the day with a box lunch and visited the Carlsbad Caverns. Together, they raised two wonderful sons, John Douglas Corley and Andy Laverl Corley. Tragically, Curtis, Andy, and her sister Eleanor West predeceased her, yet their memories continued to illuminate her life. A devoted mother and grandmother, Blanche is survived by her son John Douglas Corley and his wife, Deborah Lee Dills-Corley. Her legacy is further carried on by her grandchildren, Fred Corley, Curtis Wade Corley and his wife Shannan Marie Holstein-Corley, and Sandra Lee, as well as her great-grandchildren Micheala Taylor Poppell, Karrington Nicole Corley, Tiffany Denise Corley and her partner Andy Chanthalyxay, Carter Leo Corley and his fiancée Chayanne Summer Sailor-Corley, Chloe Emma Corley and her beau, Dakota Jones, Melinda Rose Poppell, Esme Adelle Corley, and Jasper Hilmon Corley. Blanche was also blessed with a great-great-granddaughter, Sophia Marie Chantale Corley. She believed in staying close with her family. At one time her sister Eleanor West lived next door and her son John and his family were at the end of the loop. Their thanksgivings were full of family and also friends and neighbors alike. Games were played and football watched. Laughter and memories filled her home oftentimes spilling over to Eleanor’s house next door. Despite having only a third-grade education, Blanche was a self-taught reader and writer, known for her beautiful handwriting and sharp business acumen. She was politically minded and fiercely supported Curtis in his political endeavors. Her community involvement in Leander, Texas, was profound; she was a matriarch figure, integral to the town's development, and instrumental in opening its first library and raising funds for essential services, such as the jaws of life. Blanche was a woman of many talents and passions. She cleaned homes and city offices. She worked as a nail technician and had a keen eye for decorating. Every Christmas was a full blown extravaganza of Christmas houses, goodies, and red and green in every room and surface of her home. She loved dancing, singing, and baking, often gracing her friends and family with delicious pies, cookies, and cakes. She was a familiar face at city council meetings and a relentless advocate for education and community service. Her home was a sanctuary of hospitality, where laughter and encouragement flowed freely. A service celebrating Blanche's extraordinary life will be held on September 28, 2026, at 11:50 AM at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, located at 306 E Polk Street, Burnet, Texas 78611. In honor of Blanche’s spirit and dedication to community, the family kindly suggests donations be made to local educational or community service initiatives. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Baylor Scott and White Hospice for their compassionate care. Blanche's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her, a testament to a life well-lived and loved. As a special message from the family, we share the words of Paul Gilbert: "Your Own Version You are writing a Gospel, A chapter each day, By deeds that you do, By words that you say. Men read what you write, Whether faithless or true; Say, what is the Gospel According to you?" Rest in peace, sweet Granny. Your story continues in all of us. Pallbearers Curtis Corley Carter Corley Sam West Dan West Mike O’Neal Robert Nelson