Alma Blankenship, 75,of Mt. Vernon,Illinois died Saturday, November 11, 2006, 8:49 A.M. at home surrounded by family.

Mrs. Blankenship was born on August 25, 1931 in Wayne City, Illinois to Jesse and Gretta (Minor) Lowery.

She married John I. Blankenship on August 30, 1947 in Mayfield, Kentucky.

In addition to her husband of 59 years, she is survived by two daughters, Victoria (Vickie) Avery and husband Tim of Lakeland, Florida, Nancy Smith and husband Alan of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, granddaughters, Jennifer Phillips and husband Craig of Chicago, Illinois and Sarah Smith of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, one great granddaughter, Gracie of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, one brother, Dale Lowery and wife Louise of South Bend, Indiana, four sisters, Wilma Donoho of Bluford, Illinois, Wava Blankenship of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Freda Shafer and husband Ronald of Texico, Illinois and Patsy Weems and husband Merle of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, a sister-in-law, Yvonne Lowery of Wayne City, Illinois, and two very special nieces Peggy Huff and Diane Hirons. Also several other nieces and nephews survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Noble Dean Lowery, Clinton Lowery and one sister: Berniece Donoho.

Prior to her retirement, she was very active in a building and land development company and a real estate brokerage office owned by Mrs. Blankenship and her husband in Champaign County, Illinois. Mrs. Blankenship was a dedicated Christian, and a longtime member of First Free Will Baptist Church of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and especially loved spending time with her family. Her favorite hobbies included crocheting and painting, which she often gave to family and friends as gifts.

Friends may call from 5 to 8:00PM on Monday, November 13, 2006 at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 10:00AM at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Mrs. Blankenship's son-in-law, Brother Alan Smith, will officiate. The burial will be at Wells Chapel Cemetery. For those who wish, memorials may be given to the Hospice Program of Mt. Vernon, Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864.

Source: Register-News, Mt. Vernon, IL
Submitted by: Janice Staples