Emma Frances Blankenship

Emma Frances Blankenship, age 76, of Richlands, VA, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Buchanan General Hospital in Grundy, VA.

Emma was born on April 13, 1949, in Tazewell County, VA, to the late John Cordle and Areen White Cordle. She was a homemaker and lifelong resident of the area. She was a friend to all and her family were her greatest joys in life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Richard Blankenship; daughter, Gladys Griffith; sisters, Molly Griffith, Patricia Ann Cordle, Wanda Lester, and Minnie Pearl Cordle; and brothers, Luther Cordle, Leonard Cordle, Buford Cordle, James Cordle, and Ivan Cordle.

Emma's memory will be carried on by her:

Daughters:

Barbara Miller of Richlands, VA

Tammy Mabe and husband, Keith of Richlands, VA

Son, John Griffith and wife, Michelle of Richlands, VA

Step-Son, Billy Richard Blankenship

Grandchildren:

Scotty Miller, Michael Miller, Amanda Sweeney, Danielle Miller and DJ Lankford, Adrienna Griffith, Austin Griffith, and Elizabeth Banegas

Great-Grandchildren:

Ashton Sweeney, Rylee Miller, Lance Key, Emma Key, Mia Miller, Eli Sweeney, Cohen Anders, and Kalany Banegas

Funeral services for Emma Frances Blankenship will be conducted Friday, December 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, VA, with the Rev. Dannie Shortt and Seth Burke officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill, VA. Pallbearers will be John Griffith, William Henry, Roy Edwards, Scott Kennedy, DJ Lankford, David Shelton, Austin Griffith, Eli Sweeney, Ashton Sweeney, and David Richardson. A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com