Linda Blankenship passed away December 6, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Mom Aka “Mimi” was born in Milan, Tennessee. Her family relocated to Chicago in her younger years where she met the love of her life, my dad Woodrow “Bud” Blankenship, married now 57 years. Their story began when my mom was 13 years old and my dad 14 years old. They married and had one daughter, Joyce. Mom & Dad relocated to Florida as they became grandparents, as her daughter, Joyce has two beautiful daughters, Kristi Lee and Victoria. This year my mom became a great grandmother to the first boy of our family, Bradlee the love of our lives.
Mom/Mimi had more than a handful of passions. It was quite beautiful how all of her characteristics would unfold in different circumstances. As a family we all agreed her biggest passion was being with her family every weekend or anytime possible that she loves so very much. And of course the most Loyal Fan to Days of Our Lives Soap. Mimi loved animals including her fur baby “Blue Grace” , making beautiful flower arrangements to the extent of making both Kristi and Tori’s arrangements for their weddings. My mom and us girls burned the streets up together shopping, eating out, getting our pedi- cures and lots of laughs.
Mimi loved to shop on QVC, and at times would not open her packages when they arrived. Most of the time she would give them away before opening. That’s how Mimi was, always so giving and caring.
She was so open, and would give the shirt off her back .
When the family would be together for dinner or out for dinner we all knew never ever to put cheese or butter on her food, or we would be in trouble. One thing about Mimi that was surprising to others she liked to drive fast “lead foot”, however, when she was pulled over, several times the Police Officers at times would let her off the hook due to adorable smile and beautiful blue eyes.
Mimi not only took care of others she took very good care of her herself even battling cancer & all of her treatments she went through. Mimi was a Champ. She always had her nails, hair done, Jewelry on point and the cutest outfits.
Mimi made the best of her free time, if she wasn’t binge watching Netflix and chillin with Papa, she would be admiring her rocks, her garden with Mr. T and Rex. Those are the lizards that live on her and Papa’s porch.
Mimi also, had a deep sincere love for chocolate milkshakes and Papa made sure under any circumstance he would get that chocolate milkshake.
Overall, anyone who knew Mimi, and the ones who don’t you look at her and know what a beautiful soul she is.
As I close on her Story, not only have we lost a Wife, Mom, Grandmother & Great Grandmother, we have lost our best friend the “Rock” of our family, she will be forever missed and be in our hearts and with us everywhere.
Mimi was preceded by in death by her mother, Mildred Lee Bell; father, Bill Bell; sister, Pamela Joyce Patterson and great grandmother, Bertie Lee Butler
Mimi is survived by her loving husband, Woodrow "Bud" Blankenship; daughter, Joyce (Robert) Ruggiero:
brother, John (Hiawatha) Bell and best friend of "63" years. Sheila Robertson.
Mimi is also survived by her pride and joy, granddaughters, Kristi Lee and Victoria “Tori”; great grandson Bradlee as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to cherish her memory.
We Love You & Miss You !!
Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home 7950 131st Street N., Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.
