Janet T. Blanks

Janet Temples Blanks born November 2,1956, was received into Heaven on January 13, 2024 at her home surrounded by family members and loved ones.  

A lifelong resident of Aiken, she was affectionately known as “Jan” to loved ones and friends, “mom” to her dear children, “Mrs. Blanks” to her many students, “Aunt Janet " to her beloved nieces and nephews, and “Gigi” to her adored granddaughters.  Janet never met a stranger and shared her love for Jesus to all who crossed her path. 

A retired teacher of The Aiken County Public School District, teaching was a privilege and a calling to Janet where she collected an abundance of joyful memories with her fellow educators and students.

Janet adored spending time with her family and friends, and she referred to her granddaughters as her “little lights of love.”  She had a gift for singing and was active in the choir at Millbrook Baptist Church along with the praise band at Cedar Creek Church during her lifetime.  

One of her favorite Bible verses was: “Stand at the crossroads and look; as for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16.  Another verse that she leaned on and shared with others daily was “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31. 

Janet is survived by her beloved husband, Alton Ray Blanks Jr., of 46 years, her mother, Betty Temples Thompson, their daughter Allison Blanks Coomes, her daughters Harleigh Coomes and Paisleigh Coomes; their son Ryan Blanks and his wife Nicki Voso Blanks; her brother Douglas Temples Sr.; her sister Gaye Temples Cain and her husband Steve Cain, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, Dancel Temples, her step-father, Thomas Thompson, and her sister, Phyllis Temples Debord.

A Celebration of Jan's LIfe drop-in will be Saturday afternoon, March 2, 2024 from 2 until 4:30 PM at Houndslake Country Club in Aiken.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Helping Hands Aiken (helpinghandsaiken.org).

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC