Joanna Mounts Blankenship Bryant
Joanna Mounts Blankenship Bryant, lovingly known as Granny, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born in Cedar, West Virginia to Hibbert Andrew Mounts and Lydia Allen Mounts on October 25, 1927 and moved to Roanoke, Virginia at the age of 12. She worked at Puritan Mills for 16 years and still kept in touch with several friends from her time there. Joanna was a talented seamstress and enjoyed making clothes for her grandchildren when they were young and for the dolls she loved collecting. She also enjoyed fishing at Smith Mountain Lake and had several impressive catches over the years. Joanna loved flowers and kept her yard immaculate with a variety of flowers that she often shared with friends.
Joanna was preceded in death by her first husband, Otis C. Blankenship, second husband, William D. Bryant, and her son, Cecil C. Blankenship. Joanna had four brothers H.A, John, James, and Anthony Mounts; two sisters America Mounts Lester and Katheryn Mounts Holbrook; two half brothers Earl Mounts and Rozell Mounts and two half sisters Quaily Mounts Borden and Ethel Mounts Daniels.
Surviving are her daughter-in-law Linda Blankenship; two granddaughters Jessica Graham (Ian) and Amanda Dillard (Jamie); three great grandchildren Anthony Foster, Sara Foster, and Abby Dillard. Step children who were a blessing in her life are Wanda Bryant Martin (Bobby), Deborah Bryant Simpkins (Nelson), and Elaine Bryant Roberson (Bobby). She also leaves behind numerous step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Joanna was a member of New Hope Christian Church where she attended faithfully for many years.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 30, at 10 am with the funeral service immediately following at 11am at Lotz Funeral Home at 1001 Franklin Road, S.W. Burial will be at Campbell Family Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Good Samaritan Hospice in Joanna’s memory. The family would like to thank Karis Care Services and Good Samaritan Hospice for their care and dedication.
