Ann Blankenship Barber
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Ann Blankenship Barber, 87, passed away peacefully in Cumming, GA on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
Ann was born February 11, 1934 and raised in Valdosta, GA, daughter of the late Robert Blankenship and Nellie Burke Blankenship. In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her sister, Louise, and brothers, Johnny and James, and grandchildren, Greg Melton, Jr. and Samuel Elliott Black. She was the head majorette in her high school marching band. She twirled fire which is so very much like her personality. She earned a scholarship to Valdosta State College for her achievements as a majorette. She chose instead to support her husband, Ralph, and begin a family.
Ann worked briefly for Allstate in Austell, GA and in medical records at Cobb General Hospital. The beach was her favorite place to be and she spent 17 years living in Panama City Beach, FL before returning to Georgia. Ann had a personality that was full of life and very contagious. She rarely met a stranger and never backed away from a challenge. Her perseverance was admirable. If there was an obstacle in front of her, she could figure out a way to overcome it. She loved all animals, children, people, yardwork and flowers. She could make anything grow. She could fix anything and do anything. Her favorite saying was "Can't Never Could Do Nothing!" I remember feeling, as a child, that there was nothing she couldn't do. She built things, sewed things and was always involved in all our activities - coaching, encouraging and supporting. Although Ann was a strong woman on the surface, once past her strong exterior, God brought forth some of the sweetest, most sincere moments with her. Her life will be carried on through the life of her family for generations to come.
Survivors include her children, Paula Alford (Guy), Katherine Urquhart (Dennis), Brenda Elmore (Carey), Leigh Black (Shane), and Ralph Barber, Jr. (Patti); her grandchildren, Dodi, John, Curtis, Kristin, Brian, Ashley, Samantha, Trey, Grace Anne, Lindsey, Emma Kate, Margaret, Anna Claire, and Joshua, along with 10 adorable great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, with the Rev. Warren Lathem officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until service time. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and masks are requested at both the visitation and memorial service.
Ann's legacy of love and support of her children and grandchildren will far outlive her and point to her constant care and attention to family values. Our Mom held our hands for a short time, but she holds our hearts forever! She will be greatly missed.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, Rome, GA, has charge of the funeral arrangements.