Barbara Jean Blanton

Barbara Jean (Kedzierski) Blanton, 82, of Big Stone Gap, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
She was born in Dryden, VA and has been a lifelong resident of Big Stone Gap. She retired from the former St. Mary's Hospital in Norton, VA, after 46 years of service. She was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Big Stone Gap. She was devoted to her community and found great joy in staying involved and serving others. She faithfully attended AARP meetings and proudly ran the local Rita's Shoppe, which provided donations and support to the local school-aged children in need. She was active in community events and could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. If someone called, she never hesitated. Her heart was open, her door was open, and she showed up. She lived her faith through service, loving others the way the Lord calls us to. Alongside her beloved husband, Lee Roy, she built a life rooted in love, hard work, and devotion to both family and community. Not only was she a loving mother, she was also a proud and devoted Gram. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she carried each of them in her prayers and in her heart every single day. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to bless the generations that follow her.
In addition to her parents, Edward and Emma Kedzierski, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Roy; three brothers, Eugene Leroy Bryant, John Kedzierski and Alan Kedzierski.
She is survived by her sons Mark Blanton (Denise) of Big Stone Gap; Kevin Blanton (Jennifer) of Asheville, NC, and Clint Blanton (Amanda) of Big Stone Gap. She is also survived by her brothers, Ed "Sonny" Kedzierski, Jr (Toni) of Bedford, IN, Henry Kedzierski of Lower Burrell, PA and Daniel Kedzierski (Aniceta) of Johnson City, TN; grandchildren: Mandy Lovell (Eric), Carissa Blanton, Mackenzie Chadwell (Preston), Molly Carden (Cody), Brennan Blanton, Gabby Schoenewald (Jeron), Abigail Blanton, Nate Blanton, and Allie Blanton, 3 great-grandchildren Emric, Coy, and Arlis. She will be greatly missed by her best friends, Janice Pilkenton, Vicki Copenhaver, and Brenda Palmer.
Family and friends will be received from 1-4pm, Sunday, February 22nd, 2026 at Gilliam Funeral Home in Big Stone Gap, VA.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1pm, Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Big Stone Gap with Father Ritche Sarabia officiating. Burial will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. Everyone please meet at the Church.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that donations can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1821 Holton Ave. East, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.