Gilmer, Reva Blankenship

Reva Joye Gilmer, 71 of Christiansburg, Virginia departed this life on February 6, 2023 with her family at her side and in the care of Heritage House in Blacksburg, VA. Born in Lynchburg, Virginia she was the beloved daughter of Stephen “Steve” and Dorothy “Dot” Hermes Blankenship.

Joye as she would be known would radiate the meaning of her name everywhere she would travel whether to the bedside of one of her patients, in conversation, or just in her daily walk. She loved her family with vigor and would speak on how proud they make her, they were her reason. Her joy was also found in watching the Tennessee Volunteers play or in listening to Barry Manilow.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

She leaves to cherish her memories to their hearts and the things she would wish for them; her daughter, Renee Altizer (Denny) of Christiansburg; son, Brock Gilmer of Pearisburg; grandchildren, McKenzie Locker (Everett), Katelyn Altizer, Braxton Gilmer, and Madison Gilmer; brother, Steve Blankenship of Narrows; and sisters, Connie Glass of Melbourne, Florida, and Sandy Cook of Lake City, Florida.

There will be a funeral service conducted on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the Kendall Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Eddie Kendall officiating. The family will receive friends at Kendall Funeral Home on Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. A guestbook is available to send condolences or memories by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Gilmer family.