She was born April 29, 1934, in Henry County to the late Nancy Ruth Draper Thomason and Posie Thomason. In addition to her parent, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roosevelt Blankenship, and sister Mavis Rice.
Carlene was a 1952 graduate of John D. Bassett High School, as well as graduating from Perry Business School. She was a lifelong member of Jones Chapel Church of the Brethren. She retired from Hooker Furniture in 1993 after 39 years.
Surviving are her daughters, Nancy Hillsman (Phil) of Durham, NC, and Delia Olson (John, Jr.) of Cary, NC; sister Ellen Thomason and brother Kermon Thomason (Margaret). Also surviving are her grandchildren, David Hillsman, Amy Hillsman, and John Olson III.
The visitation will be held at McKee-Stone on Wednesday from 6-8 PM and the funeral service will be Thursday at 11AM at McKee-Stone Chapel. Pastor Emma Jean Woodard will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Burial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blue Ridge Regional Library (PO Box 5264 Martinsville VA 24112) or Jones Chapel Church of the Brethren (2390 Figsboro Rd Martinsville, VA 24112-8245).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com for the Blankenship family.
