Aunt Jo was always there to step in for everyone whenever you needed her.  I have many memories of her doing that always with a smile and a laugh.  Her older sister, Betty was my mom.  When Mom passed away, I felt  separated from the family as we were so far away and Mom was that crucial link in the family chain for me.  Aunt Jo made a point to arrange Christmas dinner for the whole family, on her own dime, every year.  It helped us to reconnect  and I feel so grateful to her for that.  She was a force of nature who approached every obstacle that came her way with such optimism it was truly an inspiration to me.  I can only hope to be more like her.  

Jo was dear long-time friend.  She will be missed by so many people.  My heartfelt love and sympathy to her family.
Celi Stoutamire

Jo was such a wonderful and kind lady!  I had the pleasure of working with her on a special project for the Treasurers' Association.  She was so kind and supportive, and it was obvious that she left smiles wherever she went!

On behalf of the Treasurer's Association of Virginia (TAV), we send our deepest condolences to the family of our dearest Josephine who was called to her heavenly home.  Josephine will truly be missed by all of us that had the opportunity of having her walk into our lives throughout the years.  We send our love and prayers to each member of her family.  May our loving God grant you His love, peace and comfort now and always.  God bless you from TAV.

I wanted to share a quote that was one of my sisters favorite and also describes exactly how she lived——-Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything & make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best & expect only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past & press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side as long as you are true to the best
that is in you!
Christian D. Larson

I was lucky enough to call Jo my Aunt. She was one of the most giving, selfless, and kind people I have  ever known. The summer between my freshmen year and sophomore year of high school she took me on a two week road trip to Washington DC. We stopped at every Ruby Tuesdays between Roanoke and D.C. and I learned a lot about what kind of person I wanted to be and that person was her. I wanted to live my life and my career to help others and that’s what I have done. She was an inspiration to many and she will truly be missed. I love you Aunt Jo. 

Aunt Jo was always there for anyone who needed her. I was lucky enough to have her as an aunt, and she sure helped me out a lot. But I also know that there were a bunch of people who knew that Jo was there for them. That’s a truly special person and a certain kind of immortality - touching people’s lives and demonstrating that giving is so much more important than taking. I love my aunt Jo and know that the example she set for me will live on forever, in me and everyone I touch. 

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Jack Blankenship

Bessie Blankenship

Betty Ewing

Reggie Blankenship

Ron Blankenship (Judy Blankenship)

Marsha Goch (Chuck Goch)

Bill Ewing

Ann Ruel (Jim Ruel)

Susan Kelly

Beth Enos (Paul Enos)

Jessica Evans

David Ewing (Rekha Ewing)

Adam Goch (Caroline Goch)

Michael Pace

Jo also leaves behind many grandnieces and grandnephews.

Blue Ridge Funeral Home

Josephine Blankenship

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Josephine "Jo" Blankenship

September 1, 1940 – September 22, 2024

Blue Ridge Funeral Home & Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens

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