Alma L. Blankenship

Abingdon, VA- Alma L. Blankenship, age 80, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at Valley Health Care in Chilhowie, VA. She was born to the late Robert E. Lowe and Cora Porter Lowe on August 9, 1933 in Austinville, VA. She worked as a librarian for the Wythe County School System prior to relocating to Southwest Virginia in 1973. Locally she served as the branch librarian for the Avoca Branch of the Bristol Public Library in Bristol, TN and was an active member of Abingdon Baptist Church for many years. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Blankenship was also preceded in death by her son, David Mark Blankenship; two brothers, Ellis Lowe and Elvis Lowe; and two sisters, Mildred Jackson and Louise Gore. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, John D. Blankenship; son, Darrell S. Blankenship and wife Debra of Abingdon, VA; two sisters-in-law, Betty Jo Lowe of Austinville, VA and Frances Blankenship of Hillsville, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2014 at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210. A funeral ceremony will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the Forest Hills Chapel with Kim Robinette and the Rev. Dr. Steven W. Pollard officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 207 North Boone Street, Johnson City, TN 37604. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Broadmore Assisted Living, Valley Health Care, and Hospice of Southwest Virginia. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuenralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Alma L. Blankenship is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).