Linda Willene Thornburg

Linda Willene Thornburg, born September 25, 1934, of Chickamauga, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026. Linda was born and raised in the Church of Christ faith, a foundation that remained an important part of her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose greatest joy was her family. She had a generous heart and would do absolutely anything for those she loved. Linda found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed caring for her plants, watching wildlife, sewing, making jewelry, baking and decorating cakes, and painting. She was also a proud member of the Elks Lodge, where she built many lasting friendships throughout the years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Thornburg; her former husband, Winfred Blankenship, the father of her children; her father, Homer Christian of Pikeville, Tennessee; her mother, Ada Prater of Spencer, Tennessee; her infant son, Wendell Blankenship; her son, Felix (Charlie) Blankenship; her brothers, Lester Christian (Euna) of Dunlap, Tennessee; Wesley Christian (Edna) of Crossville, Tennessee; Willard Christian, who passed away as a child in Spencer, Tennessee; Bill Christian (Louise) of Pikeville, Tennessee; and R.D. Christian (Vera Ann) of Pikeville, Tennessee. Linda is survived by her sons, Lamar (Reita) Blankenship and Eric (Tina) Blankenship; her grandchildren, Larissa Thompson, Telela (Jeff) Bowman, Cameron (Katie) Blankenship, Jessica (Prince) Rogers, Rebecca (Chace) Bailey, Jake Blankenship, Jared (Kayla) Burns, Aubrey Blankenship, and Telelah Thompson. She also leaves behind her cherished great-grandchildren, Annaliese (Ben) Boffo, Slade (Maleeha), Austin, Dylan (Sydney), Gavin, Memphis, Braxton, Ireland, Averie, and Archer; and her treasured great-great-grandson, Cooper Boffo. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews who will forever cherish her memory. Linda’s greatest legacy was the love she gave so freely. She welcomed everyone with warmth, shared her many talents generously, and made those around her feel at home. Her kindness, creativity, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family will never be forgotten. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time (12:00 p.m. Central Time) at Hitchcox Cemetery (340 Hitchcox Cemetery Rd. Pikeville, TN 37367) on Brockdell Mountain, with burial to follow. Arrangements by W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Home, 555 West Cloud Springs Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.

Linda Willene Thornburg

September 25, 1934 - July 17, 2026