Visitation
Wilkerson Funeral Home and Crematory
Wednesday January 30th, 2019
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Funeral Service
Bethany United Methodist Church Cemetery
Thursday January 31st, 2019
2:00pm
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Etta Lou Apple Blaney
Etta Lou Apple Blaney, 85, went home to be with The Lord on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. Throughout her long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s, she continued to live with grace and dignity for over 20 years. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Bethany United Methodist Church with Rev. Sharon Lee and Rev. Donald Haynes officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Wilkerson Funeral Home and other times at her home. Etta Lou was born in Winston-Salem to the late, Curtis Wayne and Viola Mae Pearman Apple. After graduating from Haynes High School in Winston, she attended and completed her undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Education from Duke University. She was an elementary school teacher beginning her career at Durham City Schools and later she retired from the Rockingham County Schools after 35 years of service. She touched the lives of hundreds of children during her career. She was a very active member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher Sorority and a member and former president of the NC Association of Educators. She was a longtime and faithful member of Bethany United Methodist Church serving in many different capacities. She was also a committed volunteer for the Western Rockingham County Junior Service League and the Rockingham County United Way Board. Etta Lou adored her family, especially her grandchildren. She made it her priority to attend countless sporting events, programs at school and any other special event involving her grandchildren! She was an avid, passionate supporter of her beloved Duke Blue Devils. Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by the love of her life, Harry Bernard “Bernie” Blaney. They met and fell in love at Duke and were married in the Duke Chapel. She is survived by her sons, Robbie Blaney and wife, Jodi and Tim Blaney and wife, Beth; her daughter, Bonnie Cardwell and husband, Danny all of the Bethany Community; her precious grandchildren, Leah, Brittany, Robert, Daniel, Payton and Adam. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the loving attention the caregivers provided for their mom over the years; Cheryl Pegram (and Bella), Carolyn Carroll (CC), Linda Berry, Jo Key and Kelly Ryals. The family would also like to recognize Hospice of Greensboro for their support during this difficult time and especially Jessica Strader. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, 316 Witty Road, Summerfield, NC 27358 or Hospice of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405-4522. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com.Guestbook
Many heartfelt condolences to the Blaney family. I was coached at Durham high by Mrs Blaney's late husband, who saved my life by recognizing a serious fungal infection and got me the medical attention needed. Had treatment not began, I would not be here today. May God bless and keep your lovely family safe Always. W.D McClain, Oakland, California
WD McClain Jun 21 2020 5:35 PM
Im truly going to miss Mrs Etta. I enjoyed so much all the stories she told me of her childhood and her college days. We would sit for hours and look at her wedding album as she would tell me each persons name who they married and some she knew what their careers were. Stories of her golden girls and the Dunlevys (not sure I spelled that right). Her giving me a tour of all the Duke memorabilia in her basement living room. It was such a privilege to have those times with her and Im so blessed to have had that time. Love all of you. Kelly Richardson Ryals
Kelly Richardson Ryals Feb 1 2019 12:09 AM
Tim, Robbie and Bonnie I was saddened to hear of your sweet mom's passing. Please know that I am thinking of you all at this sad time. Sue Almstead Martin
Sue Almstead Martin Jan 31 2019 8:06 PM
My sincerest apologies for the loss of Mrs. Blaney. She was my 3rd grade teacher at Elliot Duncan in Mayodan, NC. She was a wonderful and kind woman and she always displayed this. Again I am so sorry. Blessings to you at this time.
Crystal Covington Jan 30 2019 9:44 AM
Bonnie, Tim and Robbie, I am so very sorry to hear about your mom"s passing. My heart goes out to you. Just know that I'm thinking about you all and sending prayers, love and lots of hugs.
Patty Isley Jan 30 2019 7:21 AM
To the family of my beloved friend of many years: Etta Lou and I met in the eighth (8th) grade at Hanes High School when my family moved to the Forest Hills Subdivision in Winston-Salem, and our back yards backed up to each other. Best friends from then on. Etta Lou and I were tennis partners on the tennis team in high school and teammates on the soccer team. I called Etta Lou quite often and talked with her last in November, 2018. My heart is so sad, and my prayers are with all of you at this time. Believe it or not, we even remained friends after she went to Duke and I went to Carolina. Our husbands were also close friends, and we had some great times with your parents. I will also love and miss your mother. I am sorry that we can not attend the funeral service due to the health of myself and my husband. Shirley Cope Nail Indian Trail, SC
Thurman D Nail Jan 29 2019 5:34 PM
Dear Tim, we are sorry to hear about your Mom. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Betty Wimmer Jan 29 2019 5:21 PM
My sincere condolences and love to Etta's family. Etta and I worked together in NCAE where she worked tirelessly to promote professionalism and development of teachers and other educators. She was valiant in her efforts to champion our public schools. I have many fond memories of Etta Lou and will always hold them closer to my heart. Even though she was a Duke Blue Devil fan, this Tar Heel fan can always smile and brag and say that Etta Blaney was one of my favorite Blue Devils. May her memory be cherished and her legacy continued. God bless you all.
Sid Baker Jan 29 2019 8:37 AM
Wow, I forgot the name Bernie Blaney until I read it in the Greensboro paper today. See, my dad drove me to Duke Football games for 8 years before I rec'd a grant in aid to play for Wake Forest. I remember Bernie Blaney was an outstanding athlete and memories of his athletic ability kept our Fayetteville family talking about him during his glory football days. Of course, I never knew what happened to him. I played football under Buddy Luper an All Conference player from Duke. Of course I'm sorry for Etta's family but I decided to write this because she undoubtedly had a great life story, and her picture to remember is wonderful. When or if we live into our 80's we've seen a lot that life can offer. As Christians we have a lot to look forward to...Now Bernie and Etta Lou are together again, even though we are taught there will be no marriage in heaven. God bless the famlly the Blaney's left here to develop and carve the way to a new and better United States and its citizenship. Daniel Townsend now in High Point
Danieltownsendhighpoint@gmail.com Jan 29 2019 8:35 AM
Etta Blaney Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Etta was a fine woman and always happy. She will be missed. May the Lord bless your family and give you strength. Gloria Piper
Gloria Piper Jan 29 2019 6:39 AM