Hester Blankenship

On March 18, 2022, Hester Parnell Blankenship, loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, passed away at the age of 82. Hester was born on September 21, 1939, in Sunflower, Alabama to the late Monroe and Nora Howard Parnell. Hester was the baby of a family of 11 siblings, her being the last of the family to pass. She married the late David Earl Blankenship on March 1, 1958, and was happily married 55 years. They raised two sons, the late David Dewayne Blankenship and Brian Monroe Blankenship.
Hester was dedicated to her church work at Sunflower United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir, served as a Sunday school teacher and served on many committees. Hester enjoyed volunteering with the RSVP Program and in 2021 was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award. Every day she looked forward to going to the Wagarville Nutrition Center where she volunteered and enjoyed the activities.
Hester was known by many names, Mom, Aunt Hester, but we preferred Granny. If you ever had the honor of meeting her, you loved her, and she immediately loved you. Her passion for people was only outweighed by her love of a good game of dominoes or cards. She would never lose on purpose, but she was always a gracious winner and never a sore loser; even though she rarely lost. She was a lover of music, books, children and playing Barbies on the floor, anytime her great-granddaughter Eden asked. Her kitchen was always open to family and friends. She will long be remembered for her coconut cakes, pound cakes, and dumplings. Her two granddaughters were taught the fine art of biscuit making and how to make her famous peanut butter pound cake. When you walked into her home you knew that you were loved and welcomed. Her infectious laugh and compassionate spirit filled every room she entered. She will be remembered for loving God above all else, but then loving people so unconditionally that you couldn't help but love her back.
She is survived by her son, Brian Blankenship and his wife Marcia; granddaughters, Lacey and her husband Joe Vitalec and Katie Blankenship; great-granddaughter, Eden Monroe Vitalec; sisters-in-law, Jeanette Overstreet, June Flowers, Nellie Blankenship, Glenda Shelby, Dolly Parnell and Julia Parnell as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be Monday, March 21, 2022, from 1:00 to 2:00 with the service to follow at Sunflower United Methodist Church. Hester's nephew, Bro. Bob Younge, will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wagarville Nutrition Center, P. O. Box 279, Wagarville, AL 36585.
Pallbearers will be nephews and great-nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Sunflower United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be offered at www.lathanfuneralhome.com.