Blankenship, Zelma Henderson

Zelma S. Blankenship, 86, of Narrows, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 17, 2012, surrounded by her loving family at Carilion Giles Community Hospital in Pearisburg. A lifelong resident of Giles County, she was born on February 18, 1926, and was the daughter of the late Frank M. and Mabel Spicer Blankenship. In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Kermit Fitchue Blankenship; a son-in-law, Shorty Hudson; a grandson, “Huck” Hudson; and a special niece, Regina Caldwell, who called Zelma “Mommy;” three brothers, Ray Blankenship, Donald Blankenship, Buddy A. Blankenship; and a sister, Mary Caldwell. Zelma was a faithful member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Narrows. She loved reading her Bible, cooking, and caring for all of her family. One of many favorite pastimes with Zelma, was watching her beloved Atlanta Braves along with Kermit. Zelma was also a former employee of B&B Stores and Giles Manufacturing, and enjoyed babysitting. Left to cherish her memory are three daughters that loved her very much, Reta Kellison, Juanita Hudson, and Brenda Myers, all of Narrows; seven grandchildren, Angela Frazier, Tammy Davis, Diana Akers, Chris Harry, Stephanie Hudson, Brandi Robertson, Timmy Myers; 13 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Patty Blankenship, of Narrows and Zella Blankenship, of Spartanburg, S.C.; two aunts, Nora Battinger and Bernice Brandon, both of Fairmont, W.Va.; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends, including the staff of Riverview Nursing Home in Rich Creek. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, September 20, 2012, at the Church of God of Prophecy in Narrows with the Rev. Dr. Jim Hagy officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Church of God of Prophecy Thursday from noon until just prior to the service. The family requests that those sending memorial contributions, please consider Narrows Church of God of Prophecy; 215 Hopkins Street; Narrows, VA 24124. The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, 540-726-2442, and online by visiting riffefuneralservice.com.