Skip to content

Edna “Jean” Blankenship, 82

Version:1.0
StartHTML:0000000193
EndHTML:0000003058
StartFragment:0000002374
EndFragment:0000003022
SourceURL:file://localhost/Volumes/SERVER/EDITORIAL/9-13-11/OBITUARIES/blankenship.doc

Edna “Jean” Blankenship,
age 82, of Lafayette passed away peaceably Monday morning, September 5, 2011 at
her home with family and friends by her bedside. Jean chose to donate her body
to the anatomical science department of the Vanderbilt University Medical
Center. There will be no public service, however, Ms. Blankenship’s life
can be celebrated through gifts to the Macon County Library, the American
Cancer Society, the Macon County Arts Council, Macon Helps Terminal Illness
Fund or the charity of your choice.


Version:1.0
StartHTML:0000000193
EndHTML:0000004619
StartFragment:0000002378
EndFragment:0000004583
SourceURL:file://localhost/Volumes/SERVER/EDITORIAL/9-13-11/OBITUARIES/blankenship.doc

Those may be made directly or
coming by the Anderson & Son Funeral Home in Lafayette. She was born
and educated in Sumner County, one of seven siblings of the late Delmas and
Beatrice (Copas) Birdwell. She later moved to Celina and then to Lafayette where
she met her late husband, Jessie Earl “J. E.” Blankenship. In addition to her
husband and parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Durwood Birdwell,
Robert Howard Birdwell, Gordon Ralph Birdwell, sisters, Dottie Birdwell Shaw,
and Doreen Birdwell Butler. She retired from Tri County EMC office support, she
and her husband owned and managed rental property in Macon and Sumner Counties
and operated Purina Supply for many years. She is survived by a brother, Bill
Birdwell of TX, nieces and nephews, Stephanie Echols, Natalie Hefner, both of
Nashville, Becky Birdwell, CT, Debbie Beech, CA, Robert Birdwell, MN, Cynthia
Goldfarb, NY and Steve Birdwell, TX. She will be missed by Dewitt Belton and
many close friends. Her family and friends send a note of gratitude to her
wonderful caregivers, Sarah Sedile, Linda Pharis, Sandra Willoughby, and
Delaine Vester. She was a member of the Lafayette Garden Club and the Macon
County Arts Council. Ms. Blankenship and her husband had no children, but
shared their lives with many through a lakeside cabin they owned in the Bledsoe
Creek Community of Sumner County. “The cabin” was a place where friends,
relatives and strangers from many states and all walks of life learned to fish,
cook, water ski and have a good time. An avid traveler, she visited many
countries, enjoyed Broadway plays and could talk about the latest bestselling
book, national art exhibit or trendy fashion magazine. She could converse on
many subjects and would often give her opinion by stating: “the thing about it
is…” She was a devoted owner and lover of Dachshund dogs. She contributed
financially to many causes and individuals, often without credit, in Macon
County. She was also known for her keen interest and knowledge of the stock
market.  She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.