Mary "Joyce" Blankenship

On the evening of Wednesday, January 10, 2018, while surrounded by her loving family and friends, Mary “Joyce” Allen Blankenship, age 83, went to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully at her home.  Born in Mitchell County, North Carolina on August 2, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Roscoe and Velma McKinney Allen. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Silas S. Blankenship, who passed away March 07, 2003; and three brothers, Louis, Dennis and Ben Allen.

A devoted member of New Manna Baptist Church for 32 years, Joyce loved singing in the choir and in her younger years, she had sung in a gospel trio with her husband and brother-in-law, Russell Hollifield.  Following 25 years, she had retired from Baxter’s Healthcare.  Joyce, who loved her family, church family, pastor, her faithful canine companion, Jenny Lynn and friends, enjoyed working in her vegetable and flower gardens. 

She is survived by two sons, Bob Blankenship (Janice) and Bill Blankenship (Deb); two daughters, Sonjia Ledbetter (Ken) and Lisa Hilzendager (Donnie); four brothers, Joe Allen, Phillip Allen, Terry Allen and James “Bud” Allen; and two sisters, Jean Hollifield and Glenda Cox.  Joyce is also survived by nine grandchildren, Chasity Gossett (Chris), Jill Kehler (William), Mendy Blankenship, Andy Blankenship (Tiffany), Jennifer Woodlief (David), Beth Graham (Jason), Joshua Lovik (Candace), Seth Blankenship (Candi) and Emily Sanders (Justin); and thirteen great grandchildren.

A service to honor the life of Joyce will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at New Manna Baptist Church with Pastor Tony Shirley and Pastor Terry Allen officiating.  Entombment will follow at McDowell Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Blankenship’s memory are asked to consider, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills (Hospice of Rutherford), P.O. Box 336, Forest City, North Carolina 28043 or by visiting www.hocf.org.

The family wishes to acknowledge with heartfelt appreciation to Susan Jimison, Sandy Davis and Lisa Greene for the kindness and care that they provided Miss Joyce and her family during her time of illness.