Doris Blankingship West

Doris Blankingship West, age 79, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and wife, passed away on March 24, 2025, at Haywood Community Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Visitation for Mrs. West will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN. There will be a private family graveside service with Bro. Chris Garner officiating.

Doris was born on October 1, 1945, in Lauderdale County, TN to Willie and Lillian Latham Blankingship. She lived most of her life in Brownsville and Haywood County. Throughout her life, Doris demonstrated a deep passion for helping others. She dedicated many years of her career to the Southwest Human Resources Agency, where she played a vital role in assisting individuals with transportation needs in her community. She found great joy in helping the elderly and simply being a friend to them. Her warm smile and kind spirit touched the lives of countless people, embodying the essence of service. Doris never met a stranger, and her infectious laughter would always brighten the lives of others. Those who knew her will remember her as someone who loved life and embraced each moment with open arms. Three things that she loved in this life - to talk, to laugh, and to dance. She enjoyed her retirement years by spending time with her family and sitting on the front porch with her "Darling".

She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Jerry West; her loving daughters, Lavell McBride and Tammy Burton (Tommy); one sister, Wanda Luther and one brother, Roy Lynn Blankingship. Doris leaves a legacy of love for her four grandchildren: Terri Lynn White, Matthew McBride (Kayla), J.T. Campbell (Katie), and Kaitlyn Starnes (Matt); five great-grandchildren, Chloe White, Cason White, William McBride, Corbin Campbell, and Owen Campbell. Each of them carries a piece of her vibrant spirit and loving heart.

Doris was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Mack West, Jr.; her loving parents, Willie Lee Blankingship and Lillian Marie Latham Blankingship; one sister, Frances Marie Blankingship; two brothers, Kenneth Paul Latham and Willie Lee Blankingship; and one son-in-law, Kenneth McBride.

Pallbearers will be Matthew McBride, J.T. Campbell, Cason White, Matt Starnes, Brad Cochran, and Jeff McBride.

The family has requested memorials be made to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN.