Jean Blankenship

Jean "Mama Jean" Blankenship, age 96 and 10 months, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Claremont, California. Prior to her second time in California, Jean was a resident of Meadowlakes, Texas from 1993-2016.

As Jean liked to say, she was born on the Ides of March on March 15, 1921 in Albany, Texas to James Otis "J.O." and Elizabeth (Campbell) Roberts. Jean was the oldest of four girls, and was a big help to her parents as she watched her younger sisters while her parents ran the family businesses. She graduated from Texas State College for Women in Denton, Texas in 1942 and became a school teacher.

Jean met the love of her life, Henry Blankenship, in Denton and the two married in Baltimore, Maryland on September 19, 1942. Jean and Henry moved across country to California in 1946 where they both were school teachers and raised two daughters, Betsy and Brenda. Jean taught at Foothill Intermediate School in Azusa, California for 20 years before retiring in 1982. During the summer recess, the family of four would pack up the car and spend time in Idaho enjoying the great outdoors. This tradition continued long into retirement when Jean and Henry would spend Spring/Summer months in Island Park, Idaho and Fall/Winter months in San Dimas, California. In 1993, the couple moved from San Dimas, California to Meadowlakes, Texas and continued being summerbirds in Idaho. A few years later, Jean and Henry settled into Meadowlakes fulltime.

Jean enjoyed morning coffee with Henry, both working on their crossword puzzles, and reminiscing about their friends and blessed lives. Jean was active in her garden, sewing, and bridge clubs. Jean continued her social engagements after her beloved husband of 63 years passed away in November 2005. She missed him every day. Jean moved back to California in 2016 to be closer to family.

Jean is preceeded in death by her husband Henry, her parents, and her sisters. She is survived by her daughters, Betsy (Fred) Preston and Brenda Blankenship Farrar; granddaughter Andrea Bowling; grandsons Brian Bowling, Matthew (Tina) Farrar, Eric Farrar, and Donald Farrar; great grandsons Blake Carnes, Caleb Farrar, Mason Farrar, and Micah Farrar. Jean will be remembered as a strong and independent woman.

A grave site funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 2:00PM at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park at 4219 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, Texas 78611. The family will host a reception following the service at 400 G Street, Marble Falls, Texas 78654.