Blanche McPhail Withers

Blanche McPhail Withers, 93, went home to Jesus Thursday, July 30, 2026. She was loved immensely by her family, friends, and community who all knew her by one of many nicknames. Her late husband, Levy Withers, called her Sweetheart for 56 years. Her daughter, Debbie McAliley, called her Mama. Her two grandsons and five great grandchildren called her Nanny. Her McPhail family called her Blossom. And her Withers family called her Bing. No matter what name they knew her by, they loved her. And, she loved nothing more than being with “her people."  Blanche centered her life on the Lord. Growing up in the Boone Trail community as one of eight children to Colon and Ida Mason McPhail, she loved learning and working with her hands. A master seamstress, she also loved all types of needle work and basket weaving. She was a devoted bride and a true Proverbs 31 woman. Her dedication to life on the farm with Levy brought her home from Brevard college to marry, raise Debbie and grow crops, vegetable gardens, and beautiful flowers. Beyond flowers and family, she always found time to watch Duke play basketball, Kyle Busch race, almost anyone play tennis, or the Red Sox play baseball. If none of those sports were on, she’d settle for football or golf. Even after losing her eyesight, she could follow races and games and tell the referees why they made a bad call. And, if sports weren’t on, she listened to Alan Jackson.

She is preceded in death by her devoted husband Levy Withers, and beloved son-in-law Joe McAliley, her mother and father, Colon and Ida Mason, her seven brothers and sisters, George Mason (Beulah), Jeannette Caulk, Mamie Faircloth (Dan), Gilbert McPhail (Norine), Floyd McPhail, Cleve McPhail (Ella), and Emogene Currin (Jack). Remaining here to remember and love her are her daughter, Deborah McAliley, grandsons, Peyton (Laura) and David (Courtney), great grandchildren, Nate Wallick, Connor Scott-McAliley, Katy McAliley, Reagan McAliley, and Maddie McAliley. Also left behind are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends who loved Blanche dearly.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11am at the Leaflet Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Edward "Pee Wee" Taylor and Lee Childs officiating.  The family will receive friends and family at the graveside before and after the service as well as at the family home afterwards.  Memorial gifts can be made to the Leaflet Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund.  Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com  Arrangements are by Smith Funeral Home, Broadway Inc.