Obituary of Edith Blankenship Franklin

WOODFIN – Edith Blankenship Franklin, age 92, of Woodfin died Thursday, December 17, 2020.

Mrs. Franklin was born November 3, 1928 in Madison County to the late Mac Conley and Kitty Wyatt Blankenship.  She was a resident of Buncombe County for most of her life. Edith retired from Mills Manufacturing after 38 years of service. She was  faithful to her church, Pleasant Hill Baptist, and was a loving mother. 

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Ray Franklin, who died in 2008; son, Bruce Franklin; and daughter, Brenda Kerr; brothers, Charles, Clyde and Boyd Blankenship; and a sister, Edna Robinson.

Surviving are a daughter, Kimberly Franklin Powell; two sons, Ray Franklin and wife Elaine, and Bob Franklin and wife Donna; five grandchildren, Nicole Matrone, Jason Franklin and wife Sarah, Laura Franklin, Zack Franklin and wife Joelle, and Caleb Franklin and wife Amy; and two great grandchildren, Riley and Carter Franklin; three sisters, Mildred Winders and husband William, Jean Lloyd and husband Dallas, and Alma Toms; a brother, David Blankenship and wife Dee;  a son-in-law, Col. (ret.) Charles Kerr; three sisters-in-law, Irene Blankenship, Ann Blankenship and Alma Blankenship; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday December 21, 2020 in Upper Laurel Baptist Church Cemetery, Mars Hill.  Reverend Craig Shelton will officiate.

Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider:  Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mrs. Franklin’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.