Cory Blance

Mr. Cory Blance was born on April 29, 1986. Cory transitioned into eternal rest on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 37 years old. He was always such as wonderful blessing to everyone that he knew. He attended the schools of: Bell Morris Elementary, Farragut Middle, Farragut High, ITT Tech, and National College of Business and Technology. 

Cory had an infectious smile, a wonderful sense of humor, and a big heart. He always had a positive and respectful attitude no matter what was going on. He was never in a situation where he didn't believe everything would eventually work out. Moreover, he was very respectful and treated others the same. He was so appreciative and thankful to those that positively influenced his life. 

At an early age, Cory and his brothers were raised in the church and often attended with their mother and grandmother. It was during that time, with his mother’s permission, that he responded to an alter call for baptism. Not surprisingly, he kept Jesus in his heart; so much so that later in life he had a tattoo placed on one side of his chest, with the inscription "Jesus Died for Me" along with a picture of Jesus. On the other side of his chest, he had the bible verse John 15:18 tattooed that states “If the world hates you, understand that it hated me first”. What a powerful and personal declaration of his love of the Lord. Like David in the Bible, Cory wanted God to hide his word in his heart that he sin not against God by not believing. The displayed tattoos symbolized his faith in God. He was a boastful believer in God and he was not ashamed of his faith. The tattoo was a constant reminder to himself every time he stood in front of a mirror with his shirt off: The purpose of Jesus going to the cross is so that all of mankind has the opportunity to be saved.

Cory was not a person to hold a grudge and was a wonderful family-oriented person who was greatly loved. He showed INFINITE Love for his mother (Angela) affectionally known as Honey Bunch. What is more, he loved his children, family, and friends unconditionally. With his children, he greatly enjoyed and marveled at the chance to spend time with them whether it was being at the library reading books to his daughter or reading to his son at an earlier age, and watching him play football.

 Throughout his family, his love extended, especially at family events. He loved playing with his nieces and nephews and assisting his mother with anything she needed, including helping with the love and care for his grandmother (Nana) and his aunt (Jamie). His mother especially remembers that his love was always apparent. During one of the last times, she saw him, the weather was beginning to change and it was quite chilly, as was she, and Cory gave her the jacket off his back.

Cory cherished his brothers and sisters, and all the memories that they made together.  He loved to read books and was always eager to learn new things. He was an inspiration to his mother and his siblings because he was not a quitter. Learning to work hard at an early age, he got his first job at the age of 14 at Petro's in West Town Mall and because of his hard work, he became assistant manager by the age of 15yrs old.  He never gave up on his dreams and aspirations. Later, he started a painting business. Striving to get his business off the ground, he invested in related classes including drafting business plans. Cory was determined not to ever give up on his dreams. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

Preceded in death by his father, James Edward Blance, Sr; grandmothers, Barbara Prigmore and Carrie Mae Middlebrook; grandfather, James Franklin Middlebrook; aunts Teresa Oglesby and Jamie Middlebrook.

Cory leaves his mother, Angela (Robert Yeary) Blance; son: Jeremiah JaCory Blance, daughter, Alani Johnson; brothers, Caleb, Aaron Blance, Mahlon Holt; sisters; Yahara and Tahara Holt, LaQuisha Hall, Shay Wilson, Kiesha (Tory) Moran and Aaliyah Blance; maternal aunts and uncles Glenda (Stanley), Charles Middlebrook, Anthony Middlebrook, Frankie (Gary) Yowell, Terri (Mac) Coleman, and Dr. Chris Middlebrook; host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.  Special family friends Elizabeth Schofield & Eliana Schofield. 

May his soul rest in peace.  Forever in our hearts never to be forgotten. We will always love and cherish him.  The love he delivered to all of us will never be forgotten.

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