Blondell Dunaway

BLONDELL GRANT was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on August 10, 1946. However, because a midwife submitted her birth information late, her birthdate is recorded as January 30, 1947. As a result, she humorously told everyone that she had two birthdays. At an early age, Blondell was sent to live with her godmother in Baltimore, Maryland, and when she was around five, her mother Lilly May Grant and three of her siblings also moved to Baltimore. Affectionately known as “Blondie” by those who knew her, she graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in 1964, where she actively participated in various clubs, including, modern dance, speed ball, student council, badminton, and volleyball. She was baptized at Mt. Pleasant Church, which was located on the east side of Baltimore, around the age of 15. She later joined Mt. Calvary Freewill Baptist Church, where Bishop Farrow is the pastor. She had one daughter, Tonya Grant, whom she loved dearly. Tonya’s father is Milton Winkler. As a single parent, she worked hard to ensure that Tonya was well cared for and provided for, relying on her strength and faith in God. Blondie worked at the Social Security Administration (SSA) and retired with over 40 years of service. She started as a clerk and gradually moved up to higher positions. She loved her time at the SSA because of the wonderful people she worked with, including her coworkers, supervisors, and customers. Blondie married James Dunaway in 1988 but later divorced him in 2000. An avid reader, she enjoyed light mysteries and read nearly all of Mary Higgins Clark’s books, one of her favorite authors. She also loved watching television, from soap operas and westerns to game shows, news programs, movies, and church services. Her favorite foods included macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, broccoli, bread pudding, and butter pecan ice cream. Her caring and giving nature led her to donate each year to her favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. She had a passion for fashion and, from a young age, had custom garments made for her and her daughter using Vogue patterns, which allowed her to wear unique and eye-catching clothing. Ensuring they were always dressed to impress; she passed this love of fashion to her daughter and grandchildren. Blondie had a wide circle of friends, many of whom have passed away. However, she kept in regular contact with some surviving friends, including Rose Curtis, Sarah Hannah, Betty Brinkley, Sally, and Brenda, as well as her sister Daisy Leach, who lives in Charleston, South Carolina. Blondie is survived by her three grandchildren, who were her pride and joy, and she loved deeply: Warren A. Ruffins Jr. (Tony), Crystal Lessane, Ashley McKenzy, and her great-grandson, Tobias Ruffins. She took an active role in raising them, ensuring they felt unconditionally loved and supported according to them individual needs. Many nieces, nephews, family, and friends also survive her. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lilly May McTeer; her sister, Letha Moore; her brothers, Herbert Stepney and Anthony Grant; and her grandson, Kevin Ruffins. Blondie will be remembered as a daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and confidant, as well as for her love of people. She would do anything to support her family, friends, loved ones, and even strangers. Whether this meant emotionally, financially, or just being a listening ear, she always showed up for those she loved without hesitation.

Tributes

Blondell Dunaway

January 30, 1947 - March 9, 2025