Obituary of Shirley Horne Blackwell

MARION, Va. Shirley Horne Blackwell, age 80, died Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Wellmont Hospice House, Bristol, Tenn. Shirley Blackwell was an incredible lady who lived an extraordinary life. She traveled the world, and was a friend to all, two legged and four. Many people make an impact in our lives, Shirley did that in many lives and organizations, but Shirley Blackwell left a trail. She was institutional in the creation and completion of Marion’s River Walk. She so generous with her resources and time. She and Jimmy, shared a passion for the outdoors. They loved horses and so enjoyed their Kentucky Derby trips and showing their American Saddlebreds. She spent 40 years with her Bank of Marion family, and was so fond of the friends she made. Shirley was a master gardener, served on the Tree Commission and was Marion Rotary’s Citizen of the Year 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Blackwell; parents, Eugene and Loeutta Horne; sister and brother-in-law, Sylvia and Bill Purkey; and nephew, Michael Purkey. Shirley is survived by her niece, Terese Fleming and husband, James of Marion, Va.; great-niece, Kristen Kemenczky and husband, Kyle of Monroe, N.C.; great-nephew, Jarrod Fleming of Asheville, N.C.; sister-in-law, Nellie Gullion; her faithful dachshund companion, Debbie Dog; and feline friends, Coconut and Buttons. A Memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 4, 2016 at 6 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Pastor Emily Edmondson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Appalachian Spirit Gallery, 144 West Main Street, Marion Va. 24354; the Smyth County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1124, Marion Va. 24354; or the Friends of Hungry Mother State Park, P.O. Box 362, Marion Va. 24354. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to serve the Blackwell Family.