Obituary of Blanche Octavia Dredden

Dredden, Blanche Octavia was born to the late Sallie Mae Reid and the late Herman Jordan on September 7th, 1932 in Jericho, NJ. Blanche gained her education from attending schools all over the country within the Berlin, NJ, Lexington, MS, Philadelphia, PA and New York school systems. On September 9th, 1950, Blanche met and married the late Bertram Dredden, Sr. in Philadelphia, PA and they later created a home in Berlin, NJ. Out of that union was born nine children of which eight survived: Octavia Dredden and Carol (Donnie) McCullough of Winston Salem, NC, Bertram (Evelyn) Dredden, Jr. (deceased), Hazel (Horace) Murphy of Edgewater Park, NJ, Althea (Wilbur) Coleman of Pine Hill, NJ, Kenneth Dredden and Patricia (Ronnie) Thompson-Young of Berlin, NJ and Charlotte Dredden of Magnolia, NJ. Blanche had a loving heart and a fiery personality that allowed her to make life-long friends everywhere she went. Several years after her husband's death, Blanche moved from Berlin, NJ to Westfield Towers in Camden, NJ, where she proudly worked as a security guard and served as floor captain. Blanche greatly enjoyed attending Westfield Tower's Senior Prom alongside her friends every year. After living in Camden, Blanche resided at B'Nai B'Rith House in Chesilhurst, NJ and Spring Oak Assisted Living in Berlin, NJ. At both places Blanche participated in many activities and was once again popular among the residents and staff. Blanche's interests and hobbies consisted of : crocheting, arts and crafts, bingo, plants and flowers, music, word finds and puzzles, taking care of her tropical fish, going out to eat, painting her nails, building photo albums, traveling and spending time with friends and family. She also enjoyed getting around on her motorized scooter earning her nickname, "Motorcycle Mama", from her adoring nurses and friends. Often, she had to be reminded to slow down for her own and other's safety. Blanche accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and attended Greater Mount Carmel Church of God In Christ in Berlin. NJ; Green Grove Baptist Church, Berlin, NJ and Bethany Baptist Church in Lindenwold, NJ. Blanche is adored and survived by her loving children and a host of grandchildren; great grandchildren; great great grandchildren; nieces; nephews and friends. Blanche had a rich spiritual heritage from her mother and grandmother (the late Sallie Mae Reid and University Prisby). The prayers of these great prayer warriors and others sustained Blanche throughout her life and brought her thru to Victory!