Dolly Mae Blankenship Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Dolly Mae Blankenship, age 92, of Marion, IL, passed away peacefully at 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, in the Shawnee Christian Living and Rehabilitation Center of Herrin, IL. She was born on April 5, 1930, at home in an area known as South Bend located north and west of Cambria, IL, in Jackson County, the daughter of Virgil and Mary (Vaughn) Palmer. Dolly attended school in Herrin, IL, and was a graduate of Herrin High School. She was united in marriage to Earl Blankenship, Jr. on March 12, 1949, in Marion, IL, and together they shared over 28 years of marriage until his death on May 18, 1977. Early in her working career she worked for her brother, Lavern at his business, Palmer Drugs of Marion, and helped out on a part time at the family business E. Blankenship and Company of Marion. The majority of her lifetime she remained at home seeing to the needs of her family and managing her home. She was very involved in the activities of her children; Earl, Neil and Mona who were very active in sports. She also was a part of the Williamson County Homemakers Extension Group and enjoyed quilting, crocheting and many other types of crafts. She enjoyed the many times the family would be together and enjoyed hearing about all the many different activities going on in their lives. The many memories created will now be cherished by those she leaves behind. She is survived by her daughter, Mona B. Carter and husband, Bruce of Marion; six grandchildren, Keri Burklow and husband, Jason of Dykersburg, IL, Damon Carter and wife, Angie of Marion, IL, Eric David Blankenship and wife, Alison of Bourbonnais, IL, Joshua Alexander Blankenship and wife, Jennifer of Lincoln, CA, Natalie Nicole Andersen and husband, Kelly of St. Petersburg, FL, Alexis Danielle Watkins and husband, Brian of Goreville, IL; eight great grandchildren, Jalynn Burklow of Dykersburg, IL, Alexander and Avery Blankenship of Lincoln, CA, Audrey and David Blankenship of Bourbonnais, IL, Robert Neil Andersen of St. Petersburg, FL and Khloe and Kaden Watkins of Goreville, IL; sister, Clodine Parks of FL; brother, Curtis Palmer of FL, other extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; two sons, Earl Blankenship, III and Neil Blankenship; four brothers, Richard Palmer, Joe Palmer, James Palmer and Lavern Palmer and two sisters, Betty Stevens and Dorothy Parker. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL. The graveside committal service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022, in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion, IL, with Rev. Ivan Ryan presiding. Those wishing to attend the committal service should gather at the cemetery prior to 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow next to her husband, Earl Blankenship, Jr. The family has requested for those who prefer, memorial contributions be made to either or both; “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital” and/or “American Cancer Society.” Memorial contributions may be mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL, 62959. Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the cemetery and funeral home. For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Dolly Mae Blankenship

April 5, 1930 - July 27, 2022