Barbara Ann (May) Blankenship

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”- 2 Corinthians 12:9

Barbara Ann Blankenship, 71, gained her heavenly wings on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. When the Lord called her home, she was surrounded by her loving husband and three children.

Barbara was born on November 24, 1952, in the town of Elkton, Maryland. She was the daughter of the late Andrew and Tessie May. She grew up in Gilbert Creek, West Virginia and graduated from Gilbert High School in 1970. Later in life, she attended Southern WV Community and Technical college; she graduated with her degree in education.

During the earlier years, she spent countless days working with the Mingo County Headstart Program.  She enjoyed sharing stories of her time spent with different students and colleagues. Her time with the Headstart Program was some of her most cherished memories.

Barbara’s true calling in life was to be a mother. She was devoted to her two sons and daughter from the time they were born until she, herself, took her last breath. Her love for them was unconditional; it was the type of love that had no limits or expectations. It was a deep, pure, and genuine love that only a mother could give, and she did all she could to make sure that her children knew they were deeply loved. She spent her time on this earth trying to make their lives easier, happier, and more joyful. Regardless of the situation, Barbara was in their corner, supporting and encouraging each of them. She was their best friend, their protector, their secret keeper, and their biggest fan.

Her motherly love did not stop with her three children; she offered this same type of love to her grandchildren. Being a Mamaw was a title that she took abundant pride in. She loved her grandchildren like they were her own, and she loved spoiling them.

In addition to being a loving mother and grandmother, Barbara was also a devoted wife. She married the love of her life on December 23, 1987, and their life together was blessed with wonderful moments full of happiness and love. They spent 37 wonderful years together.  In the weeks leading up to her passing, she often stated that she wanted her husband to always know how much she loved and appreciated him and his devotion to her and her children.

Barbara was a devoted Christian who strived to make Heaven her home. She was a member of the Full Gospel Church of God. She took great pride in being a child of God, and she made it her mission to raise her children to know the Lord. In addition to serving the Lord, she enjoyed spending time with her family, hosting family dinners, traveling with her family, and reading by the ocean. Her love for Christmas could not be unnoticed; her giving heart loved to see others happy. Having her family together in the same room laughing, eating, and enjoying themselves was what genuinely filled her heart with happiness. She will be remembered for her bright smile, her loving heart, and her dedication to her family.

Barbara is preceded in death by her father: Andrew May; her mother: Tessie May; her sister: Delena Cline; her brother: Denver May; niece: Demetra Simpson; nephew: Damon May; her mother-in-law: Helen Jean Layne; and several cherished brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.   

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Ricky Blankenship; her son, Jeremy (Vonya) May; her son, Ethan May; her daughter, Courtney (Weston) Fortner; her grandchildren, Tucker Fortner; Everlee Fortner; Andrew May, Zachary Patrick, Jorden Cline, and Shantessa Adkins; a great granddaughter, Kenna Faye Adkins; and so many other wonderful family members and friends.

Friends may gather with the family Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at The Full Gospel Church of God, Baisden, WV for visitation. The funeral service will begin there at the church at 1:00pm with Pastor Jonas Trent, Rev.  Ralphie Manuel, Rev. Marvin Joe Bradford, and Bro. Learmon Mounts officiating. Burial will follow at the Cline Cemetery, Baisden, WV.

Barbara will be carried to her resting place by members of her loving family: Jeremy May, Ethan May, Jorden Cline, Weston Fortner, Todd Toler, Andrew May, and Zachary Patrick.

Barbara was a true example of a Godly woman; she looked forward to meeting Jesus one day. Our loss is truly Heaven’s gain. Her affectionate love, warm smile, gentle touch, and her motherly hugs will be deeply missed. There will not be a day that passes by that her family will not miss her. Until we meet again, she will forever live in the hearts of all that loved her.

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