Sylvia Ann Hanks Blanchard

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Sylvia Ann Hanks Blanchard, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend, who passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024 at the age of 87. The family requests visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home – Bertrand on Thursday, September 5, 2024 from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Deacon Art Bakeler, St. Genevieve Catholic Church, will officiate the memorial services. Mrs. Blanchard, a resident of Lafayette, was the daughter of the late Oday Hanks and the former Agatha Chaisson. Sylvia’s dedication to education was unwavering. She paid her own way through college at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL), earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education and English. Her years as a teacher were filled with joy and fulfillment, and she was adored by her students. Even after retiring, Sylvia cherished hearing from her former students and celebrating their successes. In addition to her teaching career, Sylvia served as the secretary for the Department of Education for East Baton Rouge Parish under Kelly Nix. She was a member of Ikebana International Baton Rouge Chapter #42 and New Orleans Chapter #97. Sylvia was a talented seamstress, especially known for her beautiful needlepoint work. Sylvia had a deep love for her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her world. She was an avid reader, historian and lifelong learner, with a passion for gardening and the arts. Sylvia will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by her sister, Maxine Hanks; brother, Patrick Hanks; grandchildren, Tara Blanchard, Zackary Blanchard and wife, Kayla, and Victoria Blanchard, and great grandchildren, Cameron Fuselier and Michael G. Blanchard, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim James Johnson; sons, Mark Blanchard, Christopher Blanchard, and Michael Blanchard; sisters, Barbara Mire and Debbie Hanks; granddaughter, Colby Blanchard. Personal condolences may be sent to the family of Sylvia Ann Hanks Blanchard at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com Sylvia Ann Hanks Blanchard and her family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA.

Sylvia Ann Hanks Blanchard

August 31, 1936 - August 24, 2024