Carol J. Blankenship

Atlanta – Carol J. Blankenship, 78, of Atlanta, passed away on Monday, December 2, in her home.

Carol J. Willmert was born April 24, 1946, in Lincoln, the daughter of Merlin and Jean Willmert. She married William E. Blankenship on December 27, 1964. He survives.

Also surviving are her children: Douglas Blankenship, Julie (Damian) Kiraly; two sisters: Marilyn (Greg) Tucker and Connie (Ron) McGuire; three grandsons: Logan Blankenship, Cameron Blankenship, and Zachary Chartress.

Carol graduated from Atlanta Community High School in 1964. She worked at various places over the years and was never afraid to move on to a new job. She worked at Beich Candy in Bloomington until she left to help out with the family apple business.

She was a lifelong member of the Atlanta Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She often told about walking to the church with her grandmother as a little girl. Carol enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of several bridge clubs in Atlanta. Keeping a tidy house was a priority of hers and she always wanted things “put up.” She was an excellent cook and loved trying out new recipes. She even published her won cookbook. She loved spending time at Lake of the Ozarks with family and friends. Springtime brought mushroom hunting fever for her, so off she and Bill went to southern Illinois timbers. Traveling was another passion of hers. Carol loved getting in the co-pilot seat of that Dodge diesel truck with the fifth wheel in tow and heading southwest for the winter. She also had fond memories of her London trips with a special friend and of their several trips to Nantucket with classmates. A train ride to Chicago with a special friend was always exciting as well. She loved taking of her flowers and was a member of the Atlanta Flower Buds.

Her children and grandchildren were her real loves.

Funeral services for Carol will be at the Funks Grove Chapel at a later date. Burial will be in Funks Grove Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Atlanta United Methodist Church, Atlanta Rescue Squad or Atlanta Fire Department.

Final arrangements are entrusted with Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home of Atlanta.