Mrs. Jackie Blankenship

On October 9, 2023, Jacqueline Sue Cook Blankenship at the age of 82, went to be in the presence of her Lord and Savior, whom she served faithfully her entire life. Jackie was born July 13, 1941, to Earl Wilkins Cook and Louise Mitchell Cook near Hayti, Missouri. She married her high school sweetheart, Billy Wayne Blankenship, on November 3 of 1962, and enjoyed 61 loving years together. She leaves her beloved husband to cherish her memory. Jackie grew up with a fervent love for education, a passion that has had a lasting impact on students for generations. She graduated as Valedictorian from Delta C-7 High School in Deering, Missouri in 1959. After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education, in 1962, from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, she embarked on a teaching career that spanned over 43 remarkable years. A consummate mentor, she believed that knowledge was a gift meant to be shared generously with others and her dedication to sharing that knowledge remained unwavering. Jackie was not only a teacher of mathematics, but in all aspects of her life. She was a devoted Christian whose life was a radiant reflection of selflessness and steadfast integrity. Jackie also embraced her role as the matriarch of her family with grace, kindness, and devotion. She served others more than herself because she was motivated by love which set an excellent example and is still inspiring others to live a life rooted in faith and service. A recurring theme in her life was her dedication in everything she did whether it be church, family, friends, or work. Thank you, Mimi, for teaching, even when you weren’t teaching. Mrs. Blankenship is survived by: Husband, Bill Blankenship of Kennett, Missouri. Son, Michael Blankenship and wife, Darlene of rural Bragg City. Granddaughter and husband, Jessica Blankenship Branum and Ryne Branum of Kennett, Missouri. Granddaughter and husband, Leigha Blankenship Ward and Jay Ward of Hayti, Missouri. Grandson, Weston Blankenship of Seattle, Washington. Great grandchildren, Brooks Branum, Reid Branum, Collins Ward, and Elliott Ward. Aunt, Doris Mitchell Price of Senatobia, Mississippi. Mrs. Blankenship was proceeded in death by: Father and Mother, Earl Wilkins Cook and Louise Mitchell Cook. Brother and wife, Earl Eugene Cook and Nancy Noel Cook. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Powell Funeral Chapel in Kennett with Mr. James Powell officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. and continue until the time of service. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kennett. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Bakerville Church of Christ, 3613 West State Highway 84, Bragg City, Missouri 63827 or the Childrens Homes, Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450. Powell Funeral & Cremation Services, Kennett is in charge of arrangements.