Barbara Jean Morris Blankenship

Barbara Jean Morris Blankenship, age 73 of Puryear, TN, died Tuesday, August 27, 2019, at her residence in Puryear, TN.

She retired after several years as a teacher for the Orange County Public School System in Florida.  Jean was a member of Puryear Baptist Church where she was very active in Women on Missions, the Awana program, and Vacation Bible School.  She lived in many different states and served several times as the director of Vacation Bible School at many churches.  Jean received the Walt Disney Teacherrific Award for her contribution and achievements in the world of education.

Jean was born June 29, 1946, to the late Robert Love Morris, Jr., and the late Myrtle Ann Todd Morris.

She was married September 9, 1962, to James Edward Blankenship, who survives, of Puryear, TN.

Along with her husband, she is also survived by one daughter, Dana Michelle (Douglass) Brown of Ledbetter, KY; two sons, James Edward (Jodi) Blankenship, Jr., of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Scott Robert (Raysha) Blankenship of Puryear, TN; three sisters, Ann Brooks of Murray, KY, Betty Sue Gallimore of Puryear, TN, and Vicky (Jim) Geurin of Murray, KY; one brother, James “Jimmy” (Judy) Morris of Puryear, TN; four grandchildren, Lilly Brown, Mitchell Brown, Case Blankenship, and Tucker Williams; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by one brother, Robert L. “Bobby” Morris, III.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN.  Visitation will be Thursday, August 29, 2019, from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, and continue Friday, August 30, 2019, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at Puryear Baptist Church, 10060 Highway 641 N, Puryear, TN 38251.  The funeral service will be Friday, August 30, 2019, at 12:00 pm at Puryear Baptist Church, with Larry Simmons, Mike Rhodes, and Chad Kennedy officiating.

Pallbearers will be Todd Brooks, Hampton Brooks, JD Geurin, Troy Geurin, Robert Geurin, Tim Gallimore, Kenneth Maddox, Russell Blankenship, and Darrel Blankenship.  Named as honorary pallbearers are the deacons of Puryear Baptist Church.

Burial will be in Carson Cemetery in Puryear, TN.

Memorials may be made to:  The Awana Program at Puryear Baptist Church, PO Box 56, Puryear, TN 38251.