Obituary of Iris Wilford Smith Blankenship

Iris Wilford Smith Blankenship, passed away Monday, July 25, 2022 at the age of 88 in her home surrounded by family.  She was born May 7, 1934 in Bedford County, daughter of the late James Rufus Smith and Flornie Christine Mayhew Smith. Before marrying she was the bookkeeper at Murray Bolling Chevrolet and left the city life to marry Richard Lee Blankenship, who preceded her in death. They were married for 64 wonderful years. She was also preceded in death by her sister's, Jeanette Overstreet, Lula Fran Moore, Bevie Johnson & Trudy Maxfield.

She loved her life as a farmer’s wife and was an avid gardener. She wasn’t a traveler but always said, “Why would I go anywhere when I live in the most beautiful place in the world!”

She was a faithful member of Palestine Baptist Church and she taught Sunday School for over 35 years.

Faith, family, and farming were the three pillars of her life. She was a true example of faithfulness, strength (referred to by her siblings as the rock), grit, and grace. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughters Wanda DeLong and husband, Vernon of Moneta, Donna Metcalf and husband Mike of Moneta; her grandchildren, Crystal DeLong-Moorefield and husband Johnny, Courtney DeLong and girlfriend Jacqueline, Jessica Hall and husband Jason; her great grandchildren Aiden Hall and Finley Hall; step grandchildren Aidan Moorefield and Camille Moorefield; sisters Martha Smith, Ann Bruner, Marilyn Overstreet, Patsy Maxfield, and Sybil Wray; and brother James Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Centra Hospice, especially Rebecca and Sissy.

The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. until service time on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at Palestine Baptist Church and a funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Melvin Harris officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.