Emily Blankenship
Emily Grey Millirons Blankenship, a cherished pillar of her community and a beacon of joy to her family, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, surrounded by family, in Christiansburg, Virginia. Emily was born in the rolling hills of Virginia on February 14, 1943. Her journey began as the beloved daughter of Muncy Millirons and Nina Shrader. Her childhood was filled with the warmth of a close-knit family, including her brother Gerald Millirons and his wife Barbara, and her sister Carrie Pauley. Though she was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Melissa Linkous, her infant son Bobby Lambert, her sister Shelby Copeland, her brothers Shular and JW Millirons, and her first husband Richard Lambert, the legacy of love and resilience they instilled in her continued to shine throughout her life.
With a heart full of love, she joined hands with her devoted husband, Perry Blankenship, and together they navigated the joys and challenges of life. Emily was a loving mother to her son Steve Lambert, daughter Penny Fisher, daughter Missy and son in law Mike Linkous. She embraced the role of stepmother to Jason Blankenship, nurturing and guiding with a generous heart. Her home was always filled with the laughter and energy of her eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, each of whom she adored with all her being.
Emily's professional life was marked by her tenure at Production Celanese, where her diligence, teamwork, and warm personality made her not only a valued employee but also a dear friend to many. Once retired she became known as the “sample lady” at many local grocery stores, brightening people’s day one taste at a time. Outside of work, Emily's passions were as vibrant and varied as the gardens she tended. Her green thumb brought beauty to her surroundings, a testament to her ability to nurture and grow everything she touched. A true treasure hunter, she found joy in thrifting, visiting yard sales, flea markets, and Goodwill, always on the lookout for that one special find that could bring joy to others or add charm to her home.
Emily's zest for life extended to her love for a good buffet, where she savored the company of family and friends as much as the food itself. Her playful spirit was perhaps most evident in the tricks she played on family members, each one a thread in the tapestry of memories that will continue to bring smiles for years to come.
Emily's legacy is not only in the lives she touched but also in the example she set: to live fully, love deeply, and laugh often. As the sun sets on a life so brightly lived, those who knew Emily Grey Millirons Blankenship will look to the gardens she cultivated, the treasures she collected, and the family she cherished to find comfort and a reminder that her spirit will bloom year after year in the hearts of those she left behind.
The family will receive friends at a time of visitation on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home with Pastor David Rhudy officiating. Funeral services will conclude in the Lambert Family Cemetery in Narrows, Virginia where she will be laid to rest. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the family of Mrs. Blankenship.
