Bernice Parker

Bernice Blankenship Parker, 86, passed away peacefully in her home on the morning of December 4, 2025. She was born on December 15, 1938 in Giles County Virginia to the late Wirt Franklin and Helen Mae Stump Blankenship. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 years Curtis Lee Parker, a daughter Lori Parker Collins, son-in-law Freddie Richardson, and brothers William Lewis (Bill) Blankenship and Buddy Lee Blankenship.

Bernice graduated from King Johnston School (Pearisburg High School) in 1957 and a few months later married the love of her life. She and Curtis made their home in Christiansburg where they raised their 4 children along with several other children that came into their lives and they eventually adopted during the years that they were foster parents. Their goal was to give children that were less fortunate a chance to be a part of a loving family unit. And each of those children brought them great joy and became a special addition to the family. They owned and operated Pride and Joy Day Care Center for eleven years. Bernice often said those were the best years of her life as she fondly remembered all the children who came through those doors. After selling the business, she continued providing loving child care in her home for several more years. She was an active long time member of the Christiansburg Church of Christ. She will be remembered as a devoted children’s Bible class teacher and especially for her beautiful singing voice that rang out during song services. She was a true Proverbs 31 lady, often putting the needs of others before her own. Her greatest joy was having her family around her for holidays and other special events. If her kitchen, carport, or outside deck could talk, Oh the stories that would be told!

She is going to be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons Mike Parker (Lisa), Frank Parker, daughters Sandy Richardson, Erin Davis Keiningham, Patty Parker, Beverly Parker, Amanda Parker, and Donna, Kendra, and Amber Parker who lovingly took care of her over these past few years, and a sister Shirley (Libby) Underwood. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, a great-great-granddaughter due to arrive in a few weeks, as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and special friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Carl Hannah and staff of Lewis Gale Physicians as well as ACG Hospice for their loving care of Bernice and support for the family. A special thanks goes out to her church family for all the nice gifts, cards, food, and visits that brought much joy in recent months.

The family will receive visitors Tuesday evening, December 9th from 6-8pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday December 10 at 2pm at the Christiansburg Church of Christ with Dennis Curd and Rick McCurdy presiding. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Christiansburg.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial donations can be made to the Christiansburg Church of Christ or the Dementia Society of America