Mary Kay Blankenship

Mary Kay Blankenship, aged 61, passed away suddenly at her home on Tuesday, January 30th, 2018. A memorial service will be held in her honor at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Denison, TX this Saturday, February 10th at 2pm.

Mary Kay Blankenship attended public school in Pottsboro, graduated college from UNT and retired from a long, fulfilling career as a middle and high school teacher.

Kay, as most knew her, was known not only for her God-given talent for teaching but also for her kind and generous soul. The numerous people that she welcomed into her life felt privileged, and very much loved and honored to be counted among her friends and adopted family.

Countless hours were spent by Kay mentoring, helping and guiding her students over the decades. The lives of the youth that she touched spanned from Houston to Sherman, Tom Bean, Denison and beyond. Many a student owes a great measure of their success to the time and effort that was happily and selflessly given by Kay Blankenship.

Her unwavering devotion and love also extended to her friends. Kay was always by their sides through illnesses, difficult times and losses. No one ever felt alone or forgotten, with Kay in their lives.

Kay was undoubtedly loyal and devoted to her family, and this was quite clearly evident in how she selflessly and lovingly cared for her siblings and parents. When her parents grew older and needed help, she immediately and without question uprooted her life in Houston, where she was teaching and moved back home to Denison to assist and care for them. Upon the passing of her father in 2002, Kay ran the family farm singlehandedly, right up to her death. After both of her parents had passed away, she looked after her little sister Linda who was in failing health, until her passing a few years later. Her devotion also extended to her 2 older brothers, who she loved unconditionally. She particularly looked up to, admired and eagerly sought the advice of her closest brother, Brad. Everyone knew without a doubt just how proud Kay was of her big brother Brad.

After taking over the management of The Blankenship Farm, Kay worked tirelessly with the humane society and opened the farm to recue animals, including livestock. Kay both lovingly cared for and nurtured the neglected, abused animals, giving them a safe, loving and secure home where they could heal and thrive. During this period, she was quite active in the community, volunteering her time with many non-profit organizations and local museums, as well as continuing to mentor and guide many youths.

Mary Kay Blankenship is proceeded in death by her parents, David and Wanda Blankenship, little sister Linda Blankenship and great-nephew Jeremiah David Martinez. She is survived by her older brothers David and Brad Blankenship, her niece Audrey Martinez and her 7 great-nieces and nephews: Lauren, Jonathan, Wanda, Sarah, Rachel, Joshua and Jacob Martinez.