Katherine Louise Blankenship Purcott

Katherine Louise Blankenship Purcott, age 96, of Johnson City, passed away Friday, August 12,2016. Born in Greene County, TN, on January 30,1920, she was the seventh child of C.E. and Minnie Blankenship. Katherine Purcott served in the Womens Army Corps during WWII. She was a member of the first battalion commissioned by Congress and was stationed in England and France. Always an advocate for veterans, Katherine retired from the Veterans Administration, Mt. Home, TN. She was the first female Commander of American Legion Kings Mt. Post 24 in Johnson City. Katherine was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. She was a member of St. Mary?s Catholic Church. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Mrs. Purcott leaves behind to cherish her memory three children: daughter Karen Purcott of JC; son Robert Purcott and wife Connie of JC; daughter Colleen Young and husband Doug of Greenville, NC; 3 grandchildren - Amber Wigent and husband Cass, Erik Purcott and Josh Purcott; and one great-granddaughter Pearl Wigent. Survivors also include one sister, Ruth Gray of Jonesborough, and several nieces and nephews. The family of Katherine Louise Blankenship Purcott will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM Monday, August 15, 2016, in the St. Mary?s Catholic Church. The funeral mass will follow at 7 PM. The graveside committal service will be conducted at 10 AM Tuesday, in the Mountain Home National Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Bob Purcott, Doug Young, Cass Wigent, Josh Purcott, Gary Cox and Mike Woods. The Boone Dam Post # 4933 will accord military honors. Family and friends are requested to meet at the funeral home by 9:15 AM Tuesday to go in procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the St. Mary?s Catholic Church, 2211 E. Lakeview Drive, Johnson City TN 37601 or Honor Flight of Northeast Tennessee, 1005 Opekiska Street, Erwin TN 37650.