Geneva Christine Blankenship, of Lubbock, Texas, passed from this life on May 17, 2024 at the age of 93. Chris was born in Madill, Oklahoma on May 14, 1931 to Jesse Earl and Bertha (Carrol) Barnard. Her family moved to Denison, Texas when Chris was in the seventh grade. Chris is a 1949 graduate of Denison High School.
In Denison she met the love of her life, James Russell Blankenship. They were married on August 16, 1951 at the Denison Church of The Nazarene. On April 13, 1956, Karen Christine was added to their family. Her husband of 58 years preceded her in death on April 15, 2010.
Chris and Jim served in the Church of The Nazarene in Pawhuska and Tulsa Oklahoma, Austin, Texas (where they became Longhorn lovers), St. Louis, Missouri, St. Marys, Ohio, and San Antonio, Texas. Their last two ministry assignments in Ohio and South Texas, were as district administrators. In 2005, they moved to Lubbock to be situated near their daughter, during their retirement years. Chris was a member of First Church of The Nazarene in Lubbock.
Chris enjoyed the challenge of being a pastor’s wife, and District Superintendent’s wife. She traveled many miles with Jim serving the various churches. Her conversation and cross-stitching skills took them across many miles of northwest Ohio, and south central Texas. Chris served in leadership capacity for many years with the foreign mission’s effort of the Church of The Nazarene. She led multiple work and witness trips to various countries and worked to raise funds for the mission’s effort around the world.
Those remaining to cherish her memory are daughter, Karen Donnerberg (John) of Lubbock. Granddaughters, Emily Rowin (Clay) of Chattanooga, Tn, and Amy Donnerberg (Clint) of Lubbock.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a ministry scholarship fund at Southern Nazarene University (6729 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, Ok 73008), or Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (ncm.org, 17001 Prairie Star Pky, Lenexa, Ks. 66220), in Chris’ name.
Chris challenged herself to read the Bible through each year. She also enjoyed writing cards of encouragement and always included the Bible verse, Numbers 6:24-26. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
The family believes that the prayers prayed, the funds given, and the love shared, continues to live on as Christ builds His church, and another generation remains faithful to Jesus Christ.
A visitation will be held Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 6:30-7:30 pm at Resthaven Funeral Home.5740 W. 19th Street Lubbock, TX 79407
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