Cheryl Ann Blankenship Kopmann, 78, of Palmetto, Florida, suddenly went to be with
the Lord on May 14, 2025, at 3:02am when she heard the words, “Well done good and
faithful servant.” She was born in Urbana, Illinois to Robert and Evelyn Blankenship and
lived the majority of her life in Illinois, spending the last three years in Palmetto, Florida.
She is survived by her three daughters Kari Austiff (Greg) of Cullowwhee, North
Carolina; Kelli Manning of South Pasadena, Florida; and Kristi Lemley (Kraig) of
Brighton, Illinois; four grandchildren- Brianne Barr(James), Emily Austiff, Alexis Acklin
(John), and Jacob Austiff (Maria); and three great grandchildren - Joslyn Buckmaster,
Ariel Farris, and Colton Austiff and two more great granddaughters on the way; and two
sisters, Mary Kae Douglas, and her twin, Carol Whittaker. She is preceded in death by
her parents, Paul William and Evelyn Meyers and Robert Blankenship, grandparents,
great granddaughter Oaklynn Kay Austiff, and niece Robin Douglas Sutherland.
Cheryl had an extensive career where she worked at the University of Illinois, American
Savings Bank, Warner Realty and eventually opened her own business as Red Carpet
Kopmann Realty. She moved multiple times throughout her career, and was employed
with the State of Illinois, Regal Cruise Line, Easter Seals, Carle Hospital Foundation,
and for her daughter at CalmWaters Counseling. She was gifted in administration and
organization, and was a dedicated employee. She played an integral role in the
Republican Party of Manatee County, Florida through fundraising and campaigning.
To know Cheryl was to love her. Her love for people made everyone feel seen and
welcomed. She loved the Lord and would share her childlike faith with everyone. She
attended church regularly and volunteered two days a week in the church food bank.
She loved her Bible study group and even moved it to the community center in her
neighborhood. Her worldwide travel reflected her zest for life. She loved to try new food,
dance, have a glass of wine, and watch sports on television, especially the Illini. Her
family was the most important to her and spending time with them was always her
number one activity. She will be dearly missed.
Funeral arrangements - Visitation will be held at Renner-Wikoff Chapel in Urbana, IL on
Sunday, June 29 from 2:00-4:00pm. Private family burial will take place on Monday,
June 30 at 9:00am at Woodlawn Cemetery.