Obituary of Betty Blankenship

Betty Jean Blankenship, 91, passed away August 5, 2023. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00AM in the Forest Park Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport LA 71103. Betty Jean was born October 8, 1931 in Loch Lomond, LA to Henry and Ella Ethridge White. She is preceded in death by her parents, loving husband of 70 years Marvin Blankenship, sisters Erlene Patty and Lovey Mae White, beloved granddaughter, Kelly Hope, and son in-law Philip Gaidry. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Gaidry, grandsons, Bryan Hicks (Mary), and Craig Hicks (Angela). Betty Jean also leaves behind many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. As a young woman, Betty Jean lived in the Northeast LA and Southeastern AR areas. Betty Jean’s mother passed away when she was a young child and she was lovingly cared for by her father and close aunts – Clara Powell, Wilma DeWoody, and Edna Madden. She met Marvin in 1946, fell in love forever, and they married. She later moved to Shreveport, LA for 35 years and then to Mesquite TX for the last 20 years. Over the last 3 years, she was in nursing and hospice care at Sandy Lake Nursing Home in Coppell, TX. Betty Jean worked in the medical administration and nursing industry. She was dedicated and devoted to providing care for family members during times of need. In her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her daughter, grandchildren, visiting her many nieces/nephews in Arkansas, and traveling on vacations with Marvin. She also enjoyed visiting with her close friend, Lynne Chesser, of Shreveport. Her devotion to caring for others, friendship, and quick wit will be greatly missed. Special thanks to Mary Hicks, the staff of Sandy Lake Nursing Home and Holy Savior Hospice for providing great care to Betty Jean. Honorary Pallbearers are Bryan Hicks, Craig Hicks, Garrett Hicks, Joel Hicks, Aaron Hicks, and Jordan Hope.