Phyllis Cecilia Blanden

Phyllis Cecilia Blanden, 80, of Danville, Illinois, peacefully transitioned to her eternal home at 11:00 pm on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, IL.

Phyllis was born to Alonzo B. Cail and Frances Mason Cail on August 15, 1940 in Danville, IL, the oldest of three children.

She married Leo Young in 1959, and together they had three daughters and one son. In 1984, Phyllis married her husband Edward Blanden, Sr., a wonderful bond that has lasted thirty-six years. This bond blended three families, forming many special relationships and friendships.

Phyllis graduated as part of the Schlarman High School class of 1958, attended Danville Area Community College, and worked as an Engineering Material and Handling Analyst for thirty-one years at Hyster/NACCO. She retired on January 3, 2003.

She was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church, serving in various capacities including: Trustee, Church Clerk, Sunday School Superintendent, and Sunday School Teacher. Phyllis enjoyed singing and praising the Lord as a member of the Gospel Choir, Praise Team and Sanctuary Choir. She was also one of the Church Mothers.

Phyllis loved Danville and was passionate about service to her community. She looked forward to participating in the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir every year, and was a member of the Black Unity Organization, mentoring and pouring love into many young women. She was a Foster Parent for five years and served as a mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters/Danville School District Mentoring Program.

A “people person”, Phyllis showed her love to all. Nothing was more important than spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also looked forward to her Friday Night Divas Dinner Club and the Schlarman Class of 1958 Lunch Group, where she cherished those long lasting friendships. She really enjoyed traveling with her husband. Some of her favorite vacation trips included Myrtle Beach, St. Simons’ Island and Florida.

Phyllis leaves to cherish her memory: her best friend and husband Edward Blanden, Sr., four daughters, Terri Durrence of Danville, IL, Sheila (Scott) Schendel, and Joan (Daniel) Walls of Champaign, IL, LaTonya (Nathaniel) Turner of Zionsville, IN; a son, Edward Blanden II, Danville, IL, one brother, Ronald (Candace) Cail of Monroe, WI; eight grandchildren, Daniel Walls III, Catherine Barefield, Dustin Walls, Caila Young, Naeem Turner-Bandele, Edward Blanden III, Skye Carter, LeLani Burrows-Blanden; six great-grandchildren, Marcus Hughes, Mariah Hughes, Leilani Robertson, Mi’Arrah Caruthers, Mehki Caruthers, A’Mir Caruthers and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Janice Lewis, and a son Todd Eric Young.

Her favorite scripture: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

A Private Family Funeral service will commence at 12:00 Noon Thursday, February 11, 2021 at Second Baptist Church, 940 N. Franklin St., Danville. Officiating: Pastor Rickey E. Parks. Eulogist: Pastor Ricky Hoskins. A Private Visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will be at Spring Hill Cemetery.

A public viewing will be held on Wednesday February 10, 2021 from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Leek & Sons Funeral Home, 304 E. Williams St.

Due to CDC regulations, attendance restrictions will be enforced.

For the many people from near and far who have expressed condolences, love  and appreciation, please join us at Leek and Sons Funeral Home Facebook page to be a part of her homegoing services.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phyllis Cecilia Blanden, please visit our floral store.