Jarnice Blackwell

Jarnice Dian Blackwell was born on May 29, 1952, in North Carolina to the late John Albert and Ruby Blackwell. She peacefully departed this life on June 28, 2022, in Richmond, Virginia, with her family by her side. Jarnice received Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Blackwell Missionary Baptist Church in Yanceyville, North Carolina. She received her education in the Morris School District and graduated from Morristown High School.

Jarnice experienced several significant health challenges throughout her life, but that didn’t interfere with her ability to work and provide for her two children, Nakia ("Nikki") and LaMarr. She was strong and refused to give up and be defeated. She passed down these traits and work ethic to her children. She remained employed until she relocated to North Carolina to care for her parents in 1997.  

She was very family-oriented, nurturing, and resilient. She remained in touch with friends and family in New Jersey. They would have regular phone conversations and talk about the past and present. Jarnice especially loved hanging out with her grandchildren. She loved when they would visit her in North Carolina and made sure everyone in Caswell and Rockingham Counties met her grandkids.

Jarnice loved being a "Roadrunner" and driving up to Richmond, Virginia to visit her kids and grandkids. Their friends and families showered Jarnice with love and invited her to their festivities. She was loved by everyone she met. Jarnice knew her visits to Richmond would consist of a random celebration; late-night laughter and reminiscing; eating good food; and attending grandkids' events. She looked forward to creating memories with family from New Jersey, North Carolina and Washington, DC. Jarnice enjoyed hosting her annual birthday cookout which was also Memorial Day weekend. She also enjoyed attending the Blackwell-Hooper family reunion every July.

Jarnice loved dancing and listening to music. Her favorite group was The Whispers. Her favorite song was “Shotgun” by Jr. Walker and the All Stars. Her favorite show was Family Feud and she also loved doing crossword puzzles and playing on the computer. She also loved coffee (black w/two sugars), butter pecan ice cream, strawberry shortcake, and shrimp scampi. 

Jarnice was preceded in death by her parents, John Albert and Ruby Blackwell, as well as her sisters, Sheila Mitchell and Margaret "Nell" Smith.  She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, LaMarr Jackson (Felicia Simmons) and Nakia Blackwell, both of Richmond, VA; her sisters, Kim Blackwell of Reidsville, NC; Tracy Spann of Raleigh, NC; and Cecil Ann Cobb of Yanceyville, NC; grandchildren: Jalen Rudolph, Mikayla Rudolph, Isaiah Jackson, and Nylah Jackson; two great-grandchildren; Aunt Elizabeth Jones of Ruffin, NC; Aunt Evelyn “Obie” Henderson of Greensboro, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. 

We loved her, but God loved her more. She is in His care. 

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