Sophia Leach Blanks, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Monroe for almost fifty years, died on February 6, 2007. She was the loving wife for forty eight years, and recently the widow, of Edel Faulkner Blanks, Jr. Sophia attended Newcomb College in New Orleans, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi fraternity. She later received her Masters degree from Northeast Louisiana University. She taught English at the university, and served as editor of the school's literary magazine. Prior to her retirement in 2005, she was a successful realtor with John Rea Realty for twenty years. She was also a contributing writer and photographer for Delta Style and author of the "Sophiaty" section of this publication. Sophia was active in the cultural and civic fabric of Monroe for many years. She served on the initial board of the Masur Museum of Art, as well as the Beautification Committee for the City of Monroe. Sophia had a great passion for literature and the arts, but treasured her family and friends above all. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Edel Faulkner Blanks III and Bari, her daughter and son-in-law, Sophia Blanks Griffies and Scott, her grandchildren, Christian Wolfe Blanks, Colin Edel Blanks, and Elizabeth Rogers Griffies, her sister and brother-in-law, Duane Leach Page and John, all of New Orleans; and her sister-in-law and her husband, Virginia Blanks Simoni and Dick, of Menlo Park, California. Private graveside services were held on February 8. Anyone wishing to remember Sophia with a donation may consider a contribution to the Masur Museum of Art, 1400 South Grand Street, Monroe, Louisiana, 71202, or Grace Episcopal Church, 405 Glenmar Avenue, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. Kilpatrick Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.