Elma Gilliam Bledsoe

Elma Gilliam Bledsoe- Blackwater, VA

Elma Gilliam Bledsoe, 79, Blackwater, VA, passed away, May 19, 2026, at Holston Valley Medical Center.

Elma was born on March 11, 1947, in Scott County, VA, and was the daughter of the late Lloyd Gilliam and Rosalee Gilreath Gilliam.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Milford Bledsoe; and brothers, JD and Claude Gilliam.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Thelma Bledsoe; children, Kathy Gilliam (Rick), Manard Bledsoe (Cammie); and Travis Bledsoe (April); grandchildren, Josh Gilliam (Morgan Campbell), Jordan Gilliam (Samantha Brown), Savanah Bledsoe, Eva Bledsoe, Emmitt Bledsoe, Lidia Bledsoe; great granddaughter, Hallie Maylyn; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 2-4p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Gate City Funeral Home. Services will be conducted at 4:00p.m., in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Harry Lee Moore and Jonathan Lovelace officiating.

Graveside services will follow at the Burke’s Union Cemetery in the Blackwater community of Lee County, VA. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

An online guest register is available for the Bledsoe family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Elma Gilliam Bledsoe.