Blanche Burrus Clark’s Century of Compassion

Honoring Blanche Burrus Clark, BSPharm ’41, who lead with kindness and heart and left a lasting impact on the Carolina community and beyond

Story by Sarah Clark | Published July 1, 2025

Blanche Burrus Clark, BSPharm ’41, who passed away on June 9th, 2025 at the age of 104, led with kindness and heart, leaving a lasting impact on the Carolina community and beyond. 

Born in Western North Carolina, Blanche lived with her family above her father’s pharmacy, where she spent much of her time running errands and helping customers. Blanche’s father, Samuel Burrus, was exceedingly kind to his patients, ensuring that everyone received the help they needed. Following in her father’s footsteps, Blanche enrolled at the School of Pharmacy at the age of 16. 

During her time at the School, Blanche distinguished herself as a student. She was a member of Chi Omega and Rho Chi, served as president of Kappa Epsilon her senior year, and received the Buxton Williams Hunter Medal for her excellent campus citizenship and scholarship. 

Bob Blouin, Dean of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy from 2003-2017, had gotten to know Blanche over the years. He remembers her impact on the community: “Blanche was truly an exceptional, caring person who lived an incredible life.” 

After graduating from UNC, Blanche worked at Duke Hospital pharmacy, where she met her husband, Dr. Henry (Hank) Toole Clark, Jr., who was also a UNC graduate. Together, the two traveled the world and lived abroad in both Holland and Jamaica. Ultimately, the pair landed back in Chapel Hill after Hank was appointed Vice Chancellor at UNC, and remained together in Chapel Hill until Hank’s passing in 2008. 

Blanche and Hank were not only world-travelers, but they were dedicated to service. Having worked with Habitat for Humanity for many years, the two were the first to receive the Alice Call Miller award from Orange County Habitat. They have also been honored with The Golden Fleece and inducted into the Order of Omega. Both honors serve as a testament to their unwavering kindness and dedication to helping others. Blanche was also a proponent of women’s tennis at UNC and was active with the Chapel of the Cross. 

Blanche’s impact on the Carolina Community is immeasurable and continues today through the Samuel B. Burrus Family Award for Community Service. This award, established in honor of Blanche and her family’s legacy of service, is given to one student and one alum for their outstanding community service outside the scope of regular pharmacy practice. 

“She was a trail blazer for women, a fascinating bank of historical knowledge about pharmacy and the last century, and with the heart and conviction to share her time and talents with her communities and encouraged others to do the same,” shares Lynn Kieffer, the 2018 alum recipient of the Samuel B. Burrus Award. Lynn had the opportunity to grow close to Blanche after they first met when Lynn received this award. 

Blanche will be deeply missed, but her legacy of service and kindness will be carried on through her 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.