Obituary for Doris Gillespie Blankenship
Doris Gillespie Blankenship, 84, of Roanoke County, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2021, at her home.
Doris was born in Wabun, in Roanoke County, on April 26, 1937, the only child of William Francis and Macy Brown Gillespie, who predeceased her.
Doris began working in the Glenvar Elementary cafeteria in 1965 and moved to Glenvar High School’s cafeteria in 1967, where she lovingly prepared hot meals to students for 34 years before retiring as cafeteria manager in 1999. A proud Highlander at heart, she never missed an athletic event and was a dedicated ticket taker for both Glenvar High and Glenvar Middle events for over 30 years. After retirement, she continued to work events at the Salem Civic Center – she genuinely loved meeting new people.
Doris was a “go-getter” who enjoyed horseback riding, camping, yard sales, and reading – she always had a book in her hands. She loved taking trips, especially beach vacations, and could pack her bags at a moment’s notice! She will be remembered most for her selfless love and devotion to family, friends, and her church, Seneca Baptist.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 65 years, Chester Glairwood “Woody” Blankenship; son, Michael C Blankenship, Sr.and Ellen; daughter, Linda McCrady and husband John; grandson, Michael D. Blankenship; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Sara, Melissa, Bradley, and Emily; a special sister-in-law and best friend, Mary Melton; special friend, Danny Green; and beloved dog, “Chester”. Doris was predeceased by two grandsons, Michael C. Blankenship, Jr. and Jeffrey Lee Green, as well as her canine companion, “Ben”.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 3, 2021, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of John M. Oakey and Son. A graveside service, officiated by Pastor John S. Collins, will be held immediately following at Sherwood Memorial Park.
Doris was born in Wabun, in Roanoke County, on April 26, 1937, the only child of William Francis and Macy Brown Gillespie, who predeceased her.
Doris began working in the Glenvar Elementary cafeteria in 1965 and moved to Glenvar High School’s cafeteria in 1967, where she lovingly prepared hot meals to students for 34 years before retiring as cafeteria manager in 1999. A proud Highlander at heart, she never missed an athletic event and was a dedicated ticket taker for both Glenvar High and Glenvar Middle events for over 30 years. After retirement, she continued to work events at the Salem Civic Center – she genuinely loved meeting new people.
Doris was a “go-getter” who enjoyed horseback riding, camping, yard sales, and reading – she always had a book in her hands. She loved taking trips, especially beach vacations, and could pack her bags at a moment’s notice! She will be remembered most for her selfless love and devotion to family, friends, and her church, Seneca Baptist.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 65 years, Chester Glairwood “Woody” Blankenship; son, Michael C Blankenship, Sr.and Ellen; daughter, Linda McCrady and husband John; grandson, Michael D. Blankenship; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Sara, Melissa, Bradley, and Emily; a special sister-in-law and best friend, Mary Melton; special friend, Danny Green; and beloved dog, “Chester”. Doris was predeceased by two grandsons, Michael C. Blankenship, Jr. and Jeffrey Lee Green, as well as her canine companion, “Ben”.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 3, 2021, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of John M. Oakey and Son. A graveside service, officiated by Pastor John S. Collins, will be held immediately following at Sherwood Memorial Park.