Irene G. Blankenship

Irene G. Blankenship, 94, of Asheville, NC went home to her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 30, 2023. Mrs. Blankenship was born in Mars Hill, NC and was the daughter of the late William J. Grindstaff and Cilla English.

Mrs. Blankenship was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Boyd Blankenship; sisters: Eula Ingle, Alice Hensley, and Ardis Edwards; and brothers: Boyd, Calvin, and Vaughn Grindstaff.

She is survived by her children: Michael and wife Susan of Columbia, TN, Corwyn and wife Cindy of Asheville, Brian and wife Sherri of Sikeston, MO, and Karen Peek and husband Tim of Mars Hill; sister, Clella Delaney; 6 cherished and beloved grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene was a member of Asheville First Church of the Nazarene for most of her life. She was a devoted church member and devout Christian. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and lived her life accordingly.

Mrs. Blankenship was a homemaker and worked part-time at several Asheville furniture stores before her retirement.

Funeral services will be held at Asheville First Church of the Nazarene, 385 Hazel Mill Road, Asheville, NC 28806 on Friday, February 3, 2023, at 12:00 noon, with pastor Michael Blankenship officiating. Burial will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park, 1529 Smokey Park Hwy, Candler, NC 28715.

The family will receive friends at 11:00 am prior to the service on Friday.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to Debbie and Jessica and all of the staff of The Oaks at Sweeten Creek for their care and compassion given to Mrs. Blankenship and her family.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the Asheville First Church of the Nazarene, 385 Hazel Mill Road, Asheville, NC 28806.

Anders Rice Funeral Home is honored to serve the Blankenship family.