Virginia "Blanche" Coleman Mackey

Chapin – Virginia "Blanche" Coleman Mackey, 83, died Friday, June 12, 2015. Born in Florence in 1931, she was the daughter of the late Edward Otto and Ruth Privette Coleman. Blanche graduated from Florence High School where she was named the Most Popular and Biggest Flirt. While attending USC she met her husband, Thomas Gerald "Jerry" Mackey. During his service in the US Navy, she was crowned Mrs. Pensacola Navy. Blanche was a former member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and Lake Murray Presbyterian Church.

Along with her husband and son, "JJ", she started The Lite House in 1973 as well as her own stain glass mirror manufacturing business in the 1980's. Blanche was a Master Horticulturist and took great pride in her yard and flowers. She enjoyed volunteering for the American Heart Association.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Thomas Gerald "Jerry" Mackey, Sr.; daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Jim Bonniville; one son, Thomas Gerald "JJ" Mackey, Jr.; granddaughters, Ashton Lunceford and Whitney Mackey.

She will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, artist, and lover to all animals – especially cats.

Memorials may be made to Leeza's Care Connection or the Alzheimer's Association. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Carol Evans and the entire staff at Caroll Campbell Place for their care of Mrs. Mackey.

The family will hold a private memorial service.