Norma "Jean" Blankenship

Jean Blankenship passed away peacefully on November 5, 2021 at the age of 82. She was married to the late Fulton Blankenship in 1973, the love of her life.

Jean had an over 30-year career at Central Virginia Training School and advanced to the position of Director of Food Services. She was an active and dedicated volunteer serving over 20 years in the Cardiac Unit at Lynchburg General Hospital and nine years of service for Mended Hearts. Jean was a lifelong member of the Madison Heights Baptist Church assisting with many of the church activities and lovingly cooking for the parishioners.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents Florence J. Bryant and Clarence W. Bryant; her stepfather Fredrick P. Coleman; brothers Bruce, Sam, and Bobby Bryant; and her beloved cat, Sashi Moto Blankenship.

Jean is survived by her devoted and loyal friends and family, Pat Gleason, Bill Van Dyke, and Carol Bryant; and brother-in-law George Mills. We would like to thank Drs. Danielle Lewis, Matt Sackett, and Brian Schietinger for the exceptional care they provided her. A special thank you to her caregiver Brenda Turpin and the staff at Westminster Canterbury.

The celebration of Jean’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Madison Heights Baptist Church and will be officiated by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Tom Bryant. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Madison Heights Baptist Church, 329 Main St., Madison Heights, VA 24572 or Chapter 16 Mended Hearts, Attention: Dave Blackburn, Lynchburg General Hospital, 1901 Tate Springs Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.