Blanche Emogene Lett Hartsfield

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift: that’s why they call it the present.” (Eleanor Roosevelt) “All the special gifts from God will someday come to an end, but love goes on forever.” (1 Corinthians 13:8) Blanche Emogene Hartsfield, age 99, passed away May 9,2023 at Franklin Wellness & Rehabilitation Center, in Franklin, Tennessee. She was born in Eclectic, Alabama April 18, 1924 to Claude and Pearl Lett. The family moved to Tallahassee when she was 6 weeks old. Emogene went to grammar school at Caroline Brevard Elementary School when Elizabeth Cobb was principal. The school was located on South Calhoun Street at thattime close to Cascade Park. The building was renamed Bloxham Building in the 1950’s. She graduated from Leon High School in 1942 and was in the first class to attend Leon in its current location on Tennessee Street. She was a member of the Pierian Honor Society and a member of the May Court in 1942. She married her high school sweetheart, Oscar Winfred Hartsfield, Sr., on June 28, 1942. Emogene and her husband, Winfred, joined with his mother, Annie Mae Hartsfield, in building and opening the first nursing home, Tallahassee Convalescent Home on Miccosukee Road. They were the owners of the nursing home for a number of years. She was the 22nd person to be licensed as a nursing home administrator by the Florida Department of Professional Regulation. Emogene accepted the Lord as her savior on Easter Sunday when she was 12 years old and joined the First Baptist Church. First Baptist established a mission in the old WTAL Radio Station on Thomasville Road where Haute Headz Salon is now located. Emogene and Winfred taught Sunday School and she also worked in Vacation Bible School and was a member of the Women’s Missionary Society. The mission became Thomasville Road Baptist Church on March 1952 of which she and her husband were charter members. Emogene was the last surviving charter member of the church. In addition to her involvement in her church, she was active in the Tallahassee Lioness Club for a number of years. She is preceded in death by her mother, father, husband Winfred (O.W.) Hartsfield, son Fred Hartsfield (O.W., Jr), brothers Roy Lett, Robert Lett, Cecil Lett, William Thomas Lett, Claude Lett, Jr. and sister Evelyn Lett Bishop. She is survived by a daughter Gloria Irvin (Alan); grandchildren Fred Hartsfield(Cynthia), Lane Hartsfield (Nici Todd), Christine Thomasson (Mark), Lyn Grimes, and eleven great grandchildren – Alexis, Aliza, Taylor, Zoey, Brittney, Sarah, Kylee, Teegan, Riley, Bella, and Louis. The service will be at 1:00 P.M. May 15, 2023 at Bevis Funeral Home located at 200 John Knox Road, Tallahassee, Florida. Family will receive friends and family immediately following the service. Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Blanche Emogene Lett Hartsfield

April 18, 1924 - May 9, 2023