Barbara Louleen Blankenship, an example of love and generosity,
passed away peacefully on April 19, 2024, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on
October 28, 1934, in Whistler, Alabama, to the late Thomas H. Young
and Ruth Ward Young, Barbara’s life was a testament to the joy and
warmth she brought to everyone around her.
Barbara’s early years were spent in the nurturing environment of her
hometown, where she graduated from C. F. Vigor High School in
Prichard, Alabama. After graduation, she embraced the roles of wife and
mother with a heart full of love. Her laughter was infectious, and her
zest for life was evident in every endeavor she undertook.
For many years, Barbara served her community as a bank teller, a
position that allowed her to touch the lives of countless individuals with
her kindness and compassion. She spent the last thirty-three years of her
life in Jackson County, Florida, where she continued to be an active and
cherished member of the community.
Barbara’s marriage to her beloved husband, Nathan “Bud” Blankenship,
was filled with shared passions, including their love for fishing.
Together, they spent countless hours by the water, creating memories
that would last a lifetime. Barbara’s culinary skills were unparalleled,
particularly her talent for making divinity candy at Christmas, which
became a cherished family tradition. Her love for gardening was not
only a source of joy but also nourished her family and friends with the
bounty she preserved from her garden.
In her younger years, Barbara found solace and creativity in crocheting
and sewing, crafting beautiful pieces that reflected her attention to detail
and care. Above all, her family was the center of her universe. She
poured her love into her children and grandchildren, leaving behind a
legacy of selflessness and devotion.
Barbara is predeceased by her father, Thomas H. Young, her mother,
Ruth A. Dueitt, and her son, Charles Ray Miller, Jr. She is survived by
her husband, Nathan “Bud” Blankenship; her children, Charleen Sikes
(Christopher), Benjamin Thomas Miller (Susan), Anthony Floyd Miller
(Donna), and Ricky Blankenship (Ellen); her brother, William Thomas
Young; her sister, Judy Miller; her best friend, Shirley Hobbs; eleven
grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; three great-great-
grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family
members who will miss her deeply.
Barbara’s life was a portrait of love, selflessness, and generosity. She
will be remembered for the warmth of her smile, the kindness of her
spirit, and the depth of her love for her family and friends. Her legacy
will continue to inspire those who knew her, and her memory will be
cherished forever. Barbara Blankenship’s story is not one of goodbye,
but one of gratitude for the time shared with an extraordinary woman
whose life was truly a gift to all.
A service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held on Thursday, April 25,
2024, at McAlpin Funeral Home in Sneads, Florida, with a time of
visitation for friends and family starting at 11:00 AM Central Time and
the service beginning at 12:00 PM Central Time with Dr. Juno Douglas
and Rev. Bill Mayo officiating. Interment will follow at Pope Cemetery
in Sneads, FL.
