Joan Blankenship

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Joan Evelyn “Wilkerson” Blankenship passed away amidst a room full of family and love on May 6, 2015 at the age of 75. She was a lifelong resident of Carthage.

Joan was born on May 5, 1940 and attended Carthage High School. She was preceeded in death by parents, Clifford and Rosie Daron; and brother, Wayne Wilkerson.

She married David Blankenship on December 31, 1956, who preceeded her in death after 58 years of marriage.

Joan, who was lovingly known as GG to her grandchildren and most others, worked at Juvenile Shoe Factory and retired from Flex-O-Laters. She was a very passionate St. Louis Cardinals fan but loved watching sports of any kind. Joan never met a stranger and loved to talk to anyone about anything. She was loving and selfless, and her family always came first in her life. While her family grieves her loss, they rejoice in knowing that she has been reunited with the love of her life.

Joan is survived by three sons, Wyatt Blankenship, Lane Blankenship and Scott Blankenship; one daughter, April Greathouse; two daughters in-law, Jennifer Blankenship and Genie Blankenship; one son in-law, Curtis Greathouse; one brother, Jerry Wilkerson; one sister, Margaret Poteet; 14 grandchildren, Jana Smith, Chaunda Sarley, Russell Blankenship, Derek Blankenship, Alex Blankenship, JR Maggard, Tara Chittim, Dillon Blankenship, Madison Blankenship, Brook Hudgins, Matthew Tomiello, Ashley Arrowood, Jason Vineyard and Destinee Greathouse; 23 great-grandchildren with one more on the way, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday May 12, 2015 at Ulmer Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday May 11, 2015 at Ulmer Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.ulmerfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ulmer Funeral Home.