Maria Josefa Blankenship, age 83, passed away peacefully February 26, 2020. She was born 7 November 1936 in Jerez, Spain to Jose Rodriguez de Medina Lopez and Nicolasa Lopez Diaz. She married Jackie Lee Blankenship on June 15, 1962.

She was passionate about her children; Jack Jr., Maria, Pamela, and Lisa and made every effort to provide all that was possible. Her love was especially evident in her continuous efforts to feed her children and any friends that were visiting. Her hobby of knitting and crocheting were admired by all and valued during cooler temperatures.

For many years Maria worked at Britthaven Nursing Home and Camp Lejeune Middle School as a dietician. Again her passion for children and feeding people found a perfect atmosphere.  Many faculty and students recognized and thanked her long after her retirement.

Maria is survived by her husband Jackie Blankenship, her son Jack Jr. and his wife Betty, her daughters Maria Normandeau and her husband Paul, Pamela Collins, and Lisa Schellhas and her husband Drew. She is also survived by seven Grandchildren and one great grandchild.  All of which she loved and cared for deeply.

A special note of the care and compassion provided by her sister-in-law Patricia Smith who moved in after Maria had suffered two strokes and provided in home care around the clock until her passing.

Please join us in celebrating her life Wednesday March 4, 2020, between 6:00 and 8:00pm at Jones Funeral Home, 303 Chaney Ave, Jacksonville. A Funeral service will be conducted at Infant of Prague on March 5, 2020 at 11:00am.