Virginia Jo Blankenship

Virginia Jo Blankenship, age 74, resident of Cleveland, TN, passed away January 2, 2009, in a Chattanooga hospital. She was of the Baptist faith. She was formerly employed by Sanda Hoisery Mill in Cleveland. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne G. Blankenship, brothers, J. W., Harvey and Lewis Dodd; sisters, Carrie Pullin, Lucille Brown, Viola Howard and Beulah Ogle; one very precious grandson, Zach Bowman.

She is survived by three sons, Mike Blankenship and fiance, Rhonda Fain of Cleveland, Marty and Donna Blankenship, Birchwood, TN and Ricky Blankenship, Cleveland; two daughters, Karen and husband, Steve, Bowman and Val and husband, Wayne, Randolph all of Cleveland, TN, one step daughter, Peggy and husband, Jack, Bowman of Cleveland; one sister, Edith Neely, Cleveland; 6 grandchildren, 4 adopted grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 3 adopted great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. And her special companion, Duke .

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 5, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at Grissom Funeral Home with her grandson, Pastor Sam Blankenship and Pastor David Cross officiating. Interment will follow in Lebanon Cemetery with Larry Smith, Jerry Neely, Jimmy Mikel, Donnie Harris and Sam Blankenship serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends Sunday, January 4, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Grissom Funeral Home who has charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net