Leola “Lola” Moody Blankenship, age 95, passed into the arms of Jesus at her residence in Ethridge on Tuesday, November 25, 2014, while surrounded by her family and friends. She was of the Baptist faith.
Lola was born in Anderson, Alabama on August 13, 1919 to Jesse L. Moody and Levader E. Johns Moody. She was the oldest girl of four with an older brother who was a deaf mute. She quickly assumed the role of “big sister” and remained such until the gradual loss of her siblings in later life.
At the age of 16, Lola dropped out of school and boarded the “huckety buck” (train) to seek employment. She didn’t even know where she was going to sleep that night, but found shelter with two old maid cousins. After repeatedly begging the manager for days for a job, she was hired at a large garment factory as a sewing machine trainee. Saving her money, she was able to rent a small apartment which eventually led to her meeting a certain young milk man named Henry.
On February 15, 1941, she married the love of her life, Henry F. Blankenship and was always devoted to him. Soon after the marriage, Henry shipped out in the Navy to serve in World War II. Lola went to work at the Fisher Aircraft plant in Memphis doing her civic duty.
After the war, Henry returned home to find Lola had a bustling business in Columbia, TN known as “Blankenship’s Grocery”. Once Henry was acclimated as a grocer, Lola broke away from the store to found another business; a children’s shop known as “Jack and Jill’s”. In the early 50’s, Lola expanded the children’s shop to include a location in Lawrenceburg.
During her commutes between Lawrenceburg and Columbia, Lola became interested in establishing a home in Lawrence County. She became acquainted with realtor, Mr. Oren Hood, and surprised Henry once more by purchasing the “Old County Farm” as their new home.
Partners in life as well as business, Henry and Lola (usually working side-byside) owned and/or operated various businesses together:
1. Lawrenceburg Manufacturing (which later sold to Kay Windsor)
2. James Lawrence Restaurant
3. Crockett Market
4. La-Del Manufacturing Company
5. Hank’s Market
Just to name a few.
I guess you could say Lola was one of the first “liberated women” but she never wanted you to classify her as such. When conducting business, she would always refer to herself as “Mrs. Henry Blankenship”. After 65 years of marriage and numerous adventures together, she lost Henry to cancer in 2006. She was devastated and continued to grieve for him until their reunion at her passing.
Lola is survived by one daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Blankenship (Ronnie) Benefield; three grandchildren: Rhonda Benefield (Brock) Davis, Ron “Bubba” (Paula) Benefield, Jamison (Emily) Benefield, all of Ethridge; eight great-grandchildren: Kenzie Davis, Chase Benefield, Bryce Davis, Cam Benefield, Bryleigh Benefield, Will Benefield, Lila Benefield and Olivia Benefield; special niece, Pat Byrd of Pulaski, TN; beloved pet: Peanut and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to acknowledge the “special angels” that made it possible for Lola to remain in her home and get the best of care: Melissa Chandler, Betty Long, Raine Polaczk, Krisinda Belew, Destiny Mashburn, Paulette Bassham and beloved great-granddaughter, Kenzie Davis. We love you all!
She was preceded in death by her parents: Jesse and Levader Johns Moody; husband, Henry F. Blankenship; one brother: Ulysses G. Moody; three sisters: Dell Moody Young Thompson Coningham, Jessie B. Moody Young and Barbara A. Moody Bradbary.
Mrs. Blankenship’s family will visit with friends on Saturday, November 29, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Neal Funeral Home with funeral services conducted immediately following. Officiating at the services will be Pastor J.D. Bosheers and Ron “Bubba” Benefield. Burial will be in John Lay Cemetery in Ethridge.
Neal Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
