LANCASTER, SC ~ Elna Lee Tinsley Blankenship, lovingly known as “Grandmama,” passed away peacefully at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, generosity, and devotion to family.

Elna was born on September 16, 1927, to Robert Asa Tinsley and Pearl Lee Nally Tinsley. She shared a beautiful love story with her beloved husband and soulmate, Charles “Charlie” Blankenship. Together they enjoyed 67 years of marriage, creating a home filled with love, laughter, faith, and unwavering support for one another.

Elna was a woman of remarkable determination and grace. At just 20 years old, she purchased her first beauty shop, beginning a lifelong career in cosmetology that spanned more than five decades. She remained active in the profession she loved until the age of 75, building lasting friendships and touching countless lives through her work.

A gifted homemaker, Elna was famous for her homemade biscuits, which became a treasured family tradition. Even into her 90s, she delighted in teaching her great-grandchildren how to make them, ensuring that both the recipe and the memories would be passed down through generations.

Elna possessed a rare gift for making others feel remembered and loved. She never visited someone empty-handed. Whether it was a bouquet of roses from her garden, a batch of homemade biscuits, or a small treasure she found on sale at Belk, her thoughtful gestures reflected her generous spirit and caring heart.

She was an avid bridge player who enjoyed fellowship and friendly competition with dear friends. A devoted fan of the Clemson Tigers, she loved attending games and sat in the same seats for 50 years.

She found great joy working in her yard, especially tending her beautiful roses. Her love for nurturing things extended beyond her garden to the people around her.

A faithful member of First Baptist Church for 80 years, Elna served her church family for many years as a Sunday School teacher, an active participant in the Ladies Circle, and a member of the WMU. Her faith was the foundation of her life and was evident in the kindness, humility, and compassion she showed to everyone she met.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Asa Tinsley and Pearl Lee Nally Tinsley; her beloved husband, Charles “Charlie” Blankenship; her brothers, Ansel Tinsley and his wife, Velma; Harold Tinsley; Boyce “Bud” Tinsley and his wife, Betty; Robert “Dink” Tinsley and his wife, Madelyn; sister-in-law Marion Tinsley; brother-in-law Hal White; and her granddaughter, Samantha Blankenship.

She is survived by her children, Charles Alan Blankenship (Dottie) and Mary Jane Blankenship; her grandchildren, Anna Fleming, Katie Humphries (Brent), Jane Ashley Rogers (Kevin), and Mary Bradlee Baker (Christopher); her cherished great-grandchildren, Stella, Grant, Violet, Evan, Kenzlie, Janson, Kayne, Channing, Gus, Charlie Kate, Sam, Adaline, and Charlotte; her siblings, Ann, Kenneth, and Sandra (Bruce); and many nieces and nephews.

Elna’s life was a beautiful example of hard work, devotion to family, steadfast faith, and simple acts of kindness. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her wisdom, her warm smile, and the countless ways she made each person feel special.

Her roses will continue to bloom, her recipes will continue to be shared, and her legacy of love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Lancaster, SC, officiated by Pastor Mike Jenkins. The family will receive friends one hour prior, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Flint Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Lancaster, 300 S Market St, Lancaster, SC 29720.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23