CLIO… Mrs. Billie Jewel Kirkland Blankenship, 90, of Clio, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Calvary Church with her son, Pastor Keven Blankenship officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church.
Flowers are welcomed and memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Church Cemetery, 415 County Road 8, Clio, Alabama 36017.
Born on June 16, 1936, in Houston County, Alabama, Billie Jewel was the daughter of Dewey and Myrtis Gilmore Kirkland. She was a lifelong woman of faith whose love for the Lord shaped the way she lived each day. She quietly reflected Christ through her kindness, humility, and unwavering devotion.
Billie Jewel was a patient and supportive wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. She faithfully stood beside James Fred throughout their marriage, supporting his ministry in countless quiet ways. While James Fred decorated the many wedding cakes they made together, Billie Jewel baked every cake layer and was always there cleaning up behind him when the work was done, never complaining and never seeking recognition. Together, they prepared meals, delivered food to friends, neighbors, and members of their church family, and welcomed countless family members and friends around their table, where there always seemed to be enough food for everyone. Billie Jewel believed one of the greatest ways to share Christ’s love was by serving others, and she did so with a humble servant’s heart. Her quiet faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family and her Savior touched countless lives and will remain her lasting legacy.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Fred Blankenship; her parents, Dewey and Myrtle Kirkland; her sons, Mike Blankenship and David Blankenship; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Blankenship; her brothers, Earl Kirkland and James Kirkland; and her sisters, Eloise Franklin and Murrell Short.
She is survived by her daughter, Elaine Maund (Martin) of Ariton; her sons, Tim Blankenship of Ariton and Keven Blankenship (Genia) of Calera; her daughter-in-law, Patty Blankenship; her cherished grandchildren, Eric Blankenship (Marion), Matt Blankenship (Mindy), Brittany Cade, Jennifer Christenberry (John), Brandi Blankenship (Eric), Justin Blankenship, Ben Blankenship (Erin), Blake Himburg, Abby Richardson (Garrett), and Ashland English (Charles); her beloved great-grandchildren, Paige, Cole, Mattox, Micah, Maxton, John David, James, Heidi, Allie, Sophia, Judah, and Isla, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to caretakers Mary Jean Jones and Diamond Brown as well as Brett Smith, Kerrie Cox and Chaplain Charles Goldsmith with Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care, unwavering support, and the love they showed Billie Jewel. Your kindness brought comfort to our entire family and will never be forgotten.
Though her family grieves from her absence, they rejoice that Billie Jewel has been reunited with James Fred and her beloved sons, Mike and David, in the presence of her Savior. Her life was marked by quiet faithfulness, humble service, and steadfast love. She never sought recognition but believed one of the greatest ways to share Christ’s love was by serving others. Her family finds peace in knowing she was welcomed home with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
Serving as active pallbearers will be Blake Himburg, Eric Blankenship, Matt Blankenship, Stephen Murphy, Cole Blankenship, and Joe McCraney. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Ben Blankenship.
