Martha Blankenship

1933 - 2025

Blankenship, Martha Elise, having lived a full and happy life, died peacefully on November 29, 2025 at age 92. Elise was born July 4, 1933 in Baton Rogue, LA to loving and caring parents, Macon O'Bryant and Louise Jackson Blankenship, now deceased. Elise is survived by her sister, Ella Aimee Walton. She was predeceased by her brother, Macon Blankenship, Jr.

Elise had a deep and abiding love for the Methodist Church where she taught the youth group at her church for many years.

Elise was a Teacher, with a capital "T", always striving to help students learn, grow, and develop socially and emotionally. In preparation for her profession, Elise earned the following degrees: Centenary College, B.S., Elementary Education; University of Maryland, M.Ed., Child Growth and Development; Syracuse University, C.A.S., Brain Injured Children (Learning Disabilities); and University of Houston, Ed. D., Special Education.

Elise often said that each of her degree programs added to her understanding of children and her work preparing teachers and educators at the university level. One of her greatest contributions to education was in 1972 when she and her colleague, Dr. Jean Lokerson (deceased) developed The Simulations of Learning Disabilities, a creative educational program still used today with prospective teachers as an in-service teaching activity at the beginning of the school year. The LD Simulations remind teachers of the individual student's learning, growth and development patterns needed to master the school curriculum. She and Dr. Lokerson also created, developed and produced two films featuring appropriate educational services for preschool handicapped children, A Place to Learn and A Place to Grow. The film A Place to Grow was shown at the American Film Festival in New York.

Throughout her professional career, Elise enjoyed lifelong friendships as a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG), an honorary education society; The Council for Exceptional Children-Learning Disabilities CEC-DLD; and the Learning Disabilities Association of America LDA. Throughout her career Elise served on many Professional Boards as President, Committee Chair and other offices in these national organizations. Year after year, Elise and her colleague, Jean Lokerson, were invited to make presentations at national and international conferences throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. Elise would often tell others, "I have had a wonderful career in the field that I truly loved and enjoyed."

Elise's favorite pastime was dinner with fellow university colleagues and friends. She enjoyed classical music, the symphony, theatre, and the opera. For several years, Elise enjoyed singing in the opera chorus during the years when the Metropolitan Opera performed in Texas-Louisiana cities. After retirement, Elise traveled throughout the world with friends and colleagues. Elise always enjoyed meeting, talking and laughing with those she met during her travels.

Family and friends wish to thank everyone at Westminster Canterbury-Richmond who made Elise's life comfortable and beautiful. She thoroughly enjoyed being a part of your lives – those who worked at Westminster Canterbury and those who lived there with her through the years. Everyone was special to Elise.

Elise is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she enjoyed all along the way.

A Memorial Service will be held for Elise at the Chapel at Westminster Canterbury on December 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow. Burial will be private at the Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery, St. Francesville, LA. Elise will be laid to rest with her beloved parents, grandparents, and great grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to your Church, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Henrico, VA or the Westminster Canterbury Employee Fund, 1600 Westbrook Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227.