Rutherford County School Board member Helen Blankenship passed away Wednesday evening at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. She had been hospitalized for several days after having passed out at her home last week. She served on the school board since 2012. She was known for her good-mannered personality, her dedication to duty, her love for her family and her pride for her community.

"Helen was dedicated to ensuring Rutherford County students received strong academic opportunities. She was especially supportive of Career and Technical Education offerings," Director of Schools Don Odom said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends."

She was raised on a family farm and loved taking care of her sheep. 

Helen attended Kittrell Elementary and graduated from Oakland High School in 1986. She graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelors and Masters Degree.  

After graduating, she worked in the family dairy business.  Helen was a member of Lascassas Methodist Church and a Rutherford County School Board member.  Prior to her membership on the School Board she was a substitute teacher with the Murfreesboro City, Rutherford County and Cannon County school systems.  She was involved with the International Folk Festival, Camp Woodlee in Warren County, the American Kennel Association, and Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers.  Helen was very dedicated to the causes and associations in which she was affiliated.

Her father, Stephen Blankenship, passed away a little over 2-weeks earlier on February 16th. He was a local historian and longtime farmer.  

Services

Visitation / Service: Visitation will be on Saturday between 2 PM to 6 PM. A chapel / wake service will follow at 6:30 at Jennings and Ayers Saturday evening. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Camp Woodlee in honor of Helen Blankenship, PO Box 313, Columbia, TN 38402.