News Summary
Malinda Blankenship Torbett, a cherished educator and community volunteer from Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home. A committed teacher and active community member, she impacted many lives through her dedication to both education and service. Malinda was renowned for her warm personality, culinary talents, and love of travel, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by her family and friends.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – Malinda Blankenship Torbett, a beloved educator and community volunteer, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on June 19, 2025, at the age of 73. Her dedication to education and commitment to community service left a lasting impact on many lives.
Born and raised in Madisonville, Tennessee, Malinda was a proud graduate of Madisonville High School. She furthered her education at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Elementary Education. While at the university, Malinda was active in various campus activities, including dorm life, student government, and ALL-Sing, where she met her future husband, David Torbett.
After completing her education, Malinda began her teaching career in Fulton County, Georgia, followed by positions in Athens, Tennessee, and the Knoxville City school systems. After some time, she transitioned to being a stay-at-home mother to her two sons, Russell and Philip. Later in her career, she returned to the classroom as an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and also taught at Dayton City Schools and Catoosa County Schools in Georgia, before retiring.
Malinda was deeply involved in her church community, taking part in activities with Family Promise and Missions. Her commitment to community service extended to her participation in the Valamont Woman’s Club, where she focused on projects related to environmental protection and improvement, as well as her work with the Chattanooga Homeless Chorus. Malinda also collaborated with the Hamilton County Election Commission on various government activities.
In addition to her professional and volunteer work, Malinda was known for her culinary talents and sewing skills. She actively participated in sewing and quilting groups, forming cherished friendships along the way. As a member of the retired teachers’ association, she valued the bonds she created and maintained over the years. Malinda also had a passion for travel, having visited numerous destinations, including Mexico, the Bahamas, Europe, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Hawaii, and Alaska. Among her favorite trips were regular visits to New York City and cherished moments spent at the beach in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, with her close friends known as “the Beach Girls.”
Malinda’s warm personality, caring nature, and infectious smile endeared her to countless individuals who knew her. She was predeceased by her parents, Neville and Joyce Brakebill Blankenship, several aunts and uncles, a special cousin, Johanna Jett McGlothlin, and her brother-in-law, Joe Thoresen.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, David Torbett; her sons, Russell and Philip (along with his wife, Jen); two grandsons, Carter and Miller; and her extended family, which includes her sister, Joyce “Oz” Thoresen; brothers Bill (Pat), David (Kathy), and Bert (Donna) Blankenship; special cousins Julia Jett (Allen) Reedy and Burch (Nancy) Jett; and brother-in-law John (Viddia) Torbett.
A Celebration of Malinda’s Life is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, at Tyner United Methodist Church, located at 6805 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37421. In accordance with her wishes, the family has requested that no flowers be sent; instead, memorial gifts may be directed to Tyner United Methodist Church in her honor.
As family and friends gather to remember Malinda Blankenship Torbett, they are sure to reflect on her enduring legacy as an educator, volunteer, and cherished member of her community.
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Additional Resources
- Legacy.com: Malinda Torbett Obituary
- Times Free Press: Malinda Torbett
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Google Search: Community Service
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volunteer
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
