Jane Burgess Blankenship, of Martinsville, VA went to be with the Lord in her Heavenly home on November 20, 2022. She was born in Roanoke, VA on September 17, 1948, and lived in Mason, West Virginia prior to living in Martinsville where she graduated from Martinsville High School in 1966. She attended Radford College where she earned her Master’s Degree in music. She married in 1969. Jane was a middle school music teacher in Durham, NC. She served as Choir Director for 20 years at Wesley Memorial UMC where she was a member.
Jane was a strong woman in a time and place where that was less common than it is now. Her voice was a tremendous gift, and her artistry inspired many to follow in her craft. Jane lived with Parkinson’s disease for nearly thirty years, a disease that took her independence and her life, but she lived that life as fully as she could, until the end. The most extraordinary love and care was given to her by JE, who fulfilled their marriage vows faithfully every day. He provided constant faith and abiding love whatever came.
Her survivors include her husband, loving and devoted caregiver of 53 years, James Elery (JE) Blankenship; sons Giles Blankenship (Kelly), Kirk Blankenship (Shelly) and Mark Blankenship; brothers, Henry Burgess (Alice), Stephen Burgess (Fran) and sister Anne Cutchin (Dan); grandchildren Davis, Sophie, Kenneth, Naomi, Lydia, Jason, Lexa, Luke, and Melania; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
The funeral will be held at Wesley Memorial UMC on Starling Ave. in Martinsville, VA, at noon on Friday, Nov 25, with visitation immediately following the service; graveside at Roselawn Burial Park on Monday, Nov. 28 at noon.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in honor of Jane to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Paula Eanes for the loving care she gave to Jane.
Norris Funeral Services, Martinsville, VA is serving the Blankenship family. Online condolences may be made at norrisfuneral.com
