Linnie Mae Blanks

Linnie Mae Blanks, 83 years old, was born on October 1, 1939, in Montgomery County, Mississippi to the late Altha Mae Sykes and Charlie Williams. She was one of twelve children born to this union. Four brothers and eight sisters: Lisuch Lee (D), Edward, John Henry (D), Willie B., Virginia (D), Rose (D), Mary (D), Alberta (D), Lucille (D), Betty (D). She also had 11 more siblings on her father’s side: Peter (D), Chester (D), Charlie T (D), Willie T (D), Freddie (D), John L (D), Henry B (D), Arlene (D), James Albert, Jimmy (D) and Peggy. * (D)- preceded her in death.

Her early education was through the Montgomery County Schools in Mississippi. In 1956, she welcomed a beautiful baby boy, DL Curtis Sykes.

In 1958, Linnie moved to New York to work. While there she met and married Johnny Blanks December 4, 1965. They moved to Detroit, MI. This move gave her a new life in Christ, who she accepted wholeheartedly.

Linnie later went back to school and got her Cosmetology license. After which she practiced for many years. She then went on to get her G.E.D., She continually prayed for her husband to be saved, not only did the Lord save him, He called him to preach and then to Pastor. In 1973, they welcomed another son, John Mark Blanks.

Linnie was a volunteer, Sunday School and women’s teacher, singer, mentor, 1 ^st lady, excellent cake baker, friend, mother, wife, mother-in-law (twice), grandmother, great-grandmother and to Xixica (ZZ),  Linnie B.

She had a calling on her life to preach the Gospel. On June 7, 1998, she received her license. Minister Blanks went on to attend the Tennessee School of Religion, earning two Certificate of Christian Training. One in May 2000 and the other May 2001. She was Ordained June 24, 2001, by Pastor Larry Davis of Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church, Ypsilanti, MI

Minister Blanks and family moved to Summertown, TN on October 1, 2007. She was a member of Fuqua Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Georgia Lane. She was blessed with the love of Summertown Baptist and Mooresville Pike Baptist Church.

In 1998 she started showing signs of Alzheimer’s. She went through every stage of this disease until she succumbed to it on November 19, 2022. We thank God that she is with Him and at rest. We thank Him for entrusting us with her care for 25 years. Two things Linnie loved, eating sweets (cakes) and gospel music.

Those who will cherish her memory, sons DL Sykes and John Blanks; daughter-in-law Daladier Sykes; her grandchildren, DL Curtis and Katrina Sykes, Quinton, Joslyn and Mia Blanks: great-grandchildren, Diavion McLilley and Theresa Nelson; her special caretaker, Xixica Davenport; Sisters, Marie Noel and Peggy Williams; brothers Edward Williams (Dorris), James Albert, Willie Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.