Virginia Manns Blakeney

Virginia Manns Blakeney, 84, of Poplar Bluff, died Monday, Nov. 13, 2006 at the Cedargate Care Center, in Poplar Bluff.

Mrs. Blakeney was born March 9, 1922, in Poplar Bluff. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, where she was also a member of the Pastor's Sunday School Class and previously served as Class Treasurer. Mrs. Blakeney had retired as the owner and operator of Manns' Grocery, in Poplar Bluff. She enjoyed painting and was an accomplished seamstress as well.

On Nov. 21, 1939, she married Bill Manns. He preceded her in death in 1980. She later married Byron Blakeney. He preceded her in death on July 27, 1994.

Survivors include three daughters, Martha Bankston, of Crossville, Tenn., Cheryl Cooper, of New York, New York and Catherine Williams, of Poplar Bluff; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Verna Mae Bolin and Thelma Hager, both of Poplar Bluff and Juanita Estes, of Grants Pass, Ore.; and two brothers, Gene Brannum and Jimmy Brannum, both of Poplar Bluff.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel, in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Chapel, with Dr. William Vail officiating. Burial will be at the City Cemetery, in Poplar Bluff.