Betty B. McClanahan

Abingdon, VA – Betty Blankenship McClanahan, age 87 and formerly of Grundy, VA, went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 10, 2025, at her home surrounded by family after an extended illness. Betty was born in Buchanan County, VA to the late Clell and Lottie Blankenship. She was a loving wife and mother, a wonderful homemaker, and an employee of the Buchanan County School Board for over 30 years as the head custodian for Big Rock Elementary School. 

After retirement, Betty moved to Abingdon where she became a member of Macedonia Church of Christ. She enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, especially her chicken and dumplings, working in her flower and vegetable garden, and spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Jenny Mae Gibson, Easter Justus, and Christine Justus; two brothers, J.C. Blankenship and Ray Blankenship; daughter-in-law, Teresa McClanahan; and son-in-law, Bill Brown.

Betty is survived by her husband of 68 years, Cecil McClanahan; sons, Frank McClanahan and Cecil “Bo” McClanahan, Jr.; three daughters, Pauline Belcher and husband Terry, Betty Keen and husband Dwayne, and Tammy Brown; two sisters, Anita Stanley and husband Larry, and Bonnie Bower and husband Tom; nine grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; several nieces and nephews; and fur baby, Samantha.

Visitation with the family will be held 6-7 p.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Minister Ron Musick officiating. A second funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Committal services will follow at 3:00 p.m. in Green Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum where Frank McClanahan, Cecil “Bo” McClanahan, Jr., Terry Belcher, Dwayne Keen, Justin Wimmer, and Dalton Phillips will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Bruce Higinbothom, N.P. Sharon Gilbert, nurses Bonnie Finney, Chloe, Jill, Oksana, Amanda, and her church family at Macedonia Church of Christ.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The family of Betty Blankenship McClanahan is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.