Wilma Leigh Blankenship, 72, of Hiddenite, N.C., passed away Monday, February 12, 2024, at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C., after an extended illness.

Wilma was born on September 1, 1951, in Buchanan County, Va. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Edna (Justus) Matney. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Wilma was a homemaker and a cook in the Buchanan County, Va., school system for many years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her six brothers, Haven Matney, Ira Matney, Herman Matney, Ray Matney, Carter Matney, and Jerry Matney; and her four sisters, Myrtle Matney, Shirley Stacy, Lorine Keen, and Geraldine Wilmer.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Jerry Blankenship (Amy) of Hiddenite; her brother Richard Matney and wife Jo of Hurley, Va.; her sister, Christine Stacy of Grundy, Va..; three grandchildren, Robbie Blankenship and wife Hannah, Kendall Blankenship, and Mattie Blankenship; and two great-grandchildren, Everleigh Blankenship and Eleanor Blankenship.

Wilma is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and friends who all love and miss her.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Chapman Funeral Home is serving the Blankenship family.