Blanche Broome Millsaps died Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at River Region Medical Center. She was 80 years old.

Born in Sumrall, Mrs. Millsaps had been a resident of Vicksburg since 1966. She retired from South Central Bell where she was one of the first female frame attendants, which were fondly called “frame dames.”

Mrs. Millsaps was active in the civil rights movement, state and local politics and community projects. A favorite Telephone Pioneers project was making “hug-a-bears,” which were provided to police and fire departments to comfort traumatized children.

Mrs. Millsaps was especially proud to be known as “the Vicksburg flag lady.” In 1994, she led the effort to raise a U.S. flag over the Old Mississippi River Bridge, and she has kept a flag flying continuously for 17 years. Her legacy will live on with the Army-Navy Club assuming responsibility for future flag raisings. Memorials to the Blanche Millsaps Flag Fund can be sent to the Army-Navy Club of Vicksburg, c/o Louis Decell, 4312 Windsor Point, Vicksburg, MS 39180.

Mrs. Millsaps was a member of many organizations: Telephone Pioneers of America, Communications Workers of America, Republican National Committee, Ladies of the Elks and Order of the Eastern Star. She attended Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Millsaps was preceded in death by her husband, David M. Millsaps Sr.; her parents, Edna and Buford Broome; and a brother, James Broome.

Survivors include one son, David M. Millsaps Jr. of Richland, Wash.; one daughter, Earline Millsaps (and husband Robin Feuerbacher) of Hood River, Ore.; a brother, Richard Broome of Sumrall; dear friends, Marvin Anderson, Calvin Allen and Ciera Horton of Vicksburg; and her faithful companion, Lucky.

The family acknowledges the loving care provided by Dr. Edney, Dr. Halinski, CFNP Debbie Hoover, Private Home Care sitters Ashley Hansford and Demetrius Armstead and the nursing staffs of Promise Hospital and Shady Lawn Nursing Home.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Glenwood Funeral Home Chapel in Vicksburg with the Rev. Scott Reiber officiating. Graveside services with the Rev. Doug Barber officiating will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Rock Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Sumrall. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 tonight at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Howard Sumrall, Charles Sumrall, Jim Hatten, Bobby Broome, Lavelle Broome, Junior Dale Broome, Jack Lucas and Bruce Lucas.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Army-Navy Club.