- Date Of Birth: July 31, 1922
- Date Of Death: August 13, 2016
- State: Ohio
Joyce E. Blankenship, age 94, of Salem, died at 5:38 p.m. Saturday, August 13, 2016 at her home, with her family by her side. She was born July 31, 1922 in Shelbyville, Illinois, the daughter of the late Ernest and Laura Belle (Watson) Graham.
She worked for Redford United Methodist Church in Detroit, Michigan as a secretary for 6 years. She was a graduate of Assumption High School in Assumption, Illinois, where she was Valedictorian and attended Sparks Business College in Shelbyville, Illinois. Joyce was member of the First United Methodist Church in Salem, Salem Book Club, Church Women United and United Methodist Women. She was a former member of Christian Women’s Club, Salvation Army Board, and Board of Trustee’s of Salem United Methodist Church. In all of her memberships she held every office in the local group as well as districts offices. She believed that if you were a member of an organization you should be active and not just fill a seat. In May 1987 she received the woman of the year award from Church Women United. Then in April 2000 she received a special mission recognition from the general ministries of the United Methodist Church. Also in 2000 she was recognized at the YWCA religious volunteer of the year.
Survivors include, one son, William (Patricia) Blankenship of Akron; three daughters, Marilyn (Alex) Lotas of Cleveland, Sandra Blankenship of Salem, and Karen (Dave) Pond of Bardstown, Kentucky; a daughter-in-law Debra Blankenship of Jackson, Michigan; 10 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.
Her husband, Gerald W. Blankenship, whom she married February 15, 1942, preceded her in death January 10, 1988. Three sons, Ronald Blankenship, 1964, Donald Blankenship, 1988, and Robert Blankenship, 2008; one brother, Edwin Graham; and one sister, Euna Denton also preceded her in death.
Special thanks to the Caring Staff of Community Hospice.
Stark Memorial Tuesday, August 16, 2016 06:00 PM – 08:00 PM 1014 East State Street
Salem, OH 44460 Directions
First United Methodist Church Wednesday, August 17, 2016 11:00 AM 244 South Broadway
Salem, OH 44460 Directions
