Blanche Genevieve “Jay” Henderson Abbott, formerly of St. Petersburg, FL, passed away at the age of 103. Prior to arriving in Gainesville, Blanche was an active participant in the Eastern Star and the Selama Caldron and served as Worthy Matron of each. Her busy schedule included being a housewife, a mother, active in the PTA and Girl Scouts, managing a wholesale grocery warehouse, locally and throughout the state and became a licensed Insurance agent. In 1966, she became an LPN, passing the Florida State Boards with the second highest score ever attained by an applicant for licensing. Once here in Gainesville, she slowed down, joined the New Comers Club, travelled extensively, became a “Red Hat” lady, joined the Mah Jongg Gang, Grace Methodist Church and in general, just played. Husbands Joe B. Henderson and Bud Abbott have predeceased Blanche. She is survived by her daughters Martha ( Jerry ) Schaffer of Gainesville and Betty Gail McKenzie of Denver, CO, six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. There will be a Visitation at the Milam Funeral Home of Newberry on Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. There will be a Private Memorial Service. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memory Gardens in St Petersburg, FL.
