Avis Blankenship Johnson

Avis Blankenship Johnson, 85, of Bedford, passed on to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at her home with her loving family by her side. Born March 13, 1927, in Bedford, she was a daughter of the late James Edward Blankenship and the late Martha Wilkes Blankenship.

Avis was a member of Radford Baptist Church in Moneta, VA. She was a retiree of Bedford Weaving Mill. She enjoyed baking, ceramics, flower gardening, shopping, and family vacations. She treasured her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always holding her \"babies\" close to her heart.

Avis was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 66 years, Richard Henry Johnson, Sr.; their love story continues in heaven. In addition, she was predeceased by a son, Richard H. Johnson, Jr., five brothers and nine sisters.

She is survived by two daughters, Jan J. Johnston and husband, Rick, of Moneta; Teresa J. Key and husband, Dennis, of Bedford; two grandchildren, Amy J. Jackson and husband, Johnathan, Jenny J. Hiner and husband, Tim; five great-grandchildren, Ethan, Emma, and Clay Jackson, and Andrew and Reilly Hiner.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, January 24, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. in Virginia Memorial Park with Pastor Karl Hofheinz and Chaplain Mark Flores officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 23, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Bedford Rescue Squad or Bedford Hospice. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family, (540)-586-3443.