Lorraine Blankenship, 56, passed away on May 1, 2026, in Fenton, MO.

Lorraine was born on September 3, 1969, in Great Lakes, IL, to James Blankenship, an honorable US veteran, and Linda Blankenship, his beloved wife.

Lorraine graduated from Northwest High School in House Springs, MO, in 1987. Then, she completed her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education & Psychology, with honors, in 1992 from Southwest Missouri State. In 2000 she earned a Master's degree in Education, with a 4.0 GPA, from Lindenwood University while working full-time, serving pre-school children and their families. During her 30+ year career, she began working as an early childhood program leader and later took on social work roles. Her entire career was dedicated to serving young children and their families, especially those in need.

Also known as "Ms. Lorraine" and "Aunt Raine," she had a passion for caring for children and their families. She deeply loved her own family, countless friends, work family, the children she served and their families. In her free time she loved to hunt for treasures at estate sales and thrift stores and always searched for the perfect gifts for those she loved. She also loved Kid Rock and spending her free time and hard-earned money at the casino.

Lorraine is survived by Linda Blankenship - mother, Shelly Cattoor - sister, Jason Cattoor - brother-in-law, Alex Cattoor - nephew, and Alayna Cattoor - niece.

Lorraine is preceded in death by James Blankenship - father, Allie Blankenship - grandmother, Theodore Blankenship - grandfather, Lucille Meyer - grandmother, and Edward Meyer - grandfather.

The service for Ms. Lorraine Blankenship will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Jay B. Smith Funeral Home in Fenton. The visitation will also be on Sunday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the same location.

Details regarding the final resting place of her cremains will be shared later.

Lorraine's favorite color is blue. You are encouraged to wear blue in her memory on Sunday, May 17.

After the funeral please join us for appetizers and NA drinks at THE POST (on the patio) 568 Old Smizer Mill Rd, Fenton, MO 63026 in the "Fenton Crossing" plaza.

Memorial donations can be made in Lorraine's name to one of the following organizations:

• Pedal the Cause

o 100% of your donations support local cancer research and will be matched by HBM Holdings & MLC

o Donate online at https://www.givesignup.org/lorraineblankenship, or

o Make checks payable to Pedal the Cause

 Write "In memory of Lorraine Blankenship" on the memo line and mail to: Pedal the Cause

PO Box 790372

St. Louis, MO 63179-0372

• Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Head Start Early Head Start

o Make checks payable to the organization named above

o Write "Grant # 07CH013416" on the memo line

o Mail to: Head Start Headquarters

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.

Attn: Erin Weekes

2900 Pershall Road

Ferguson, MO 63136