Marie Elizabeth Blankenship Bernd, 97, of Southern Shores, died Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at her home. Born in Biloxi, Mississippi on May 14, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Etta Thigpen and Joseph P. Blankenship and the widow of Henry Eugene Bernd.

A nurse with the United States Army, Marie served her country honorably during World War II. She then retired as a registered nurse having worked at Fairfield Hills State Institution in Newtown, Connecticut.

After moving to Southern Shores, Marie served as chairman of the Dare County Democratic Party and helped start the mental health clinic in Manteo.

Polly is survived by three children, Barbara Boland (Roy), Sarah Fogg (Dana), and Jeannie Inglis (Frederick); five grandchildren, Jason, Sean, Ben, Ollie and Hazel; two great-grandchildren, Ian and Scarlet; a sister, Carol Neff; a niece, Kimball Blankenship; and two nephews, Mike and Phillip Neff.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Al Blankenship.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.TwifordFH.com.