Melissa Marlene Silver

Melissa Marlene Blankenship Silver, 54, passed away Friday, September 5, 2014 at her residence. A native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, she was the daughter of Effie Ledford Blankenship and the late James Blankenship. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Stanley Blankenship. She is survived by her sons: Brian Whitener and his wife Laura of Fort Sill, OK, Seth Silver and his wife Amy of Leicester, and James Milton Whitener of Asheville and currently serving in Afghanistan; sister, Teresa Charlene Blankenship of Asheville; grandchildren: Jayden, Caylee, Destinee, Isabella, Alana, and Colton; and nieces and nephews: Brandon, Kyle, and Kassadie Turner. Memorial services will be held at 6:00 PM Wednesday, September 10, 2014 in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, with Rev. Stephen V. Oxner officiating. The family will receive friends following the service Wednesday evening at Anders-Rice Funeral Home.