Evelyn Collins Blankenship Ellerbe, 92, passed away on October 18, 2016, at home in Webster County Georgia. She was born on February 19, 1924, in Tarboro, NC, to the late Malcolm D. Collins and Willie Maude Smith Collins.

Evelyn is preceded in death by both of her parents, both of her husbands, Henry G. Blankenship and Lee Ellerbe; a great-granddaughter, Ashley Payne; two brothers, Louis Collins, William Collins; and two sisters, Ramona Grissom, Jenny Lee Grier.

She is survived by her three sons, Paul (Allene) Blankenship of Preston, Georgia, Buddy (Linda) Blankenship of Preston, Georgia, Randy Blankenship of Coleman, Georgia; one daughter, Cindy (Barry) Jennings of Spartanburg, South Carolina; seven grandchildren, David Jennings of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Beth Blankenship of Preston, Georgia, Jason Blankenship of Preston, Georgia, Jennifer Taff of Crawfordville, Florida, Christie Maddox of Crawfordville, Florida, Josh Blankenship of Americus, Georgia, Stephanie Jennings of Troy, New York; seven great-grandchildren, Chelsey Castings, Courtney Hardin, Colton Blankenship, Laura Payne, Henry Taff, Walter Taff, Dylan Maddox; one sister, Barbara Martin of Anderson, South Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Evelyn moved from North Carolina to Webster County when she married Henry Blankenship. She was a widow for several years before she married Lee Ellerbe. She was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. Evelyn enjoyed working in her flower gardens, growing African violets, the many pets she had over the years, cats, dogs and birds. She loved attending church and listening to the old favorite hymns. The highlight of her day would be to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, October 20, 2016, at 10:00 AM, at the Macedonia Baptist Cemetery, Preston, GA. The family will visit with friends after the service. The service will be conducted by Buddy Blankenship.

In lieu of flowers: Donations to the Macedonia Cemetery Fund in care of Baldwin Funeral Home, P. O. Box 394, Richland, Georgia 31825

Baldwin Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Visit the online guest book on the Baldwin Funeral Home website at www.baldwinfuneralhome.com.

Baldwin Funeral Home, 50 Overby Dr., P. O. Box 394, Richland, GA 31825 229-887-2750