Big Stone Gap, VA – Janice Faye Blanken, 76, entered the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 30, 2025, at home surrounded by her beloved family. To know Jan was to love her. She embodied selflessness, love and grace, living each day as a faithful servant of the Lord.
Jan never met a stranger; she greeted everyone with warmth and a smile that could light up a room. Her heart was a boundless well of kindness. She was a giver, a protector, and a woman of unwavering faith. Above all, Jan adored her family with every fiber of her being. She constantly prayed for their well-being, offering her protection and love without hesitation. While we will deeply miss her presence, we take comfort in knowing that she is now whole and embraced by the arms of Jesus. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will forever live on in our hearts.
She was preceded death by her parents, Kelly and Evie Dell (Yose) Lawson and her siblings, Leona Lawson, Lois Lawson, Alva Lawson, Charles Lawson and Danny Lawson.
Jan is survived by her husband of 58 years, Allen Blanken; son, Tim Blanken of Big Stone Gap, VA; sibling, Bernice Pearcy of Big Stone Gap, VA; special sister, Madelene Collier (Doug) of Church Hill, TN; grandchildren, Brandon Blanken and his wife, Sara, who Jan thought of as her own, Briane Blanken and Brodie Blanken; great-granddaughter, Lilly Blanken, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Jan also had a special place in her heart for all of her Bob’s Market customers.
Jan’s family would like to extend special thanks to Lonesome Pine Hospital and Caris Home Health for the wonderful care she received.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will begin at 7:00pm with Pastor James Holcomb and Pastor Bill Tignor officiating.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 11:00am in Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, 5650 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA. Family and friends are asked to assemble at Gilliam Funeral Home to leave at 10:20 in procession to the cemetery. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Janice Blanken.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.