Deacon Robert L. Blackwell

The CULMINATION of LifeIn Loving Memories of Deacon Robert Lee Blackwell Sunrise 06 FEBRUARY 1936 Sunset 28 JANUARY 2021 IN THE BEGINNING.. Deacon Robert Lee Blackwell, 84, was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on 6 February 1936. He departed this journey 28 January 2021. He was the second youngest of eleven children born to the late Deacon Stanley and Sarah Blackwell. At an early age, he confessed his Faith in Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at the Big Bethel Baptist Church in McKinney, Virginia. He was an avid baseball player and fan. Robert was a faithful member of Big Bethel Baptist Church and served in various offerings throughout his years there including: The Usher Ministry, Pastor's Aid Ministry and Sunday School Superintendent. After his high school graduation, he moved to Petersburg, Virginia where he attended Virginia State University and furthered his education. Deacon Blackwell graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Robert decided exactly a year and three months later to join the United States Army. He clearly completed Basic Training and Advanced Training requirements with excellence, as he did everything that he put his hands to. He was stationed at Fort Lewis Washington where he served as a Psychologist Clinical Specialist. He later transferred to the United States Army Reserve. Robert signed on with the Civil Services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Robert worked in Logistics and was committed. He was distinct, thoughtful, sturdy, meek, amenable, conversant, innovative; a Leader, an Organizer, A Director, a Guide, a Mentor, an Advisor; hence, for this God-fearing man, favor coupled with promotions was validated. Fittingly, Robert retired in 20 years. Shortly after retiring from Civil Services, Robert relocated to Hampton, Virginia to be closer to his siblings. In May 1999 Robert joined Miracle Temple Baptist Church, A MAN THAT FINDETH A WIFE FINDETH A GOOD THING.. On one Thanksgiving evening at Suzanne and Floyd's home (Newport News, Virginia), Robert met the love of his life, Florence Fox, who was a guest for that occasion. Seven months later, July 1999, Robert and Florence were united in holy matrimony at Miracle Temple Baptist Church with Pastor Floyd M Blackwell and Pastors Sidney and Joyce Foster, New Hope Baptist Church, Chesapeake, Virginia presiding. Robert and Florence inaugurated upon their enthusiastic and loving journey for an era, both in rhythm and cadence. Consequently for 21 years the marriage continued, uninterrupted and constant. After joining Miracle Temple, Robert faithfully served in countless ministries: The Male Chorus Ministry, Senior Choir Ministry, Golden Age Ministry, Military Support Ministry, Education Ministry, Missionary Minister, Pastors Aid Ministry, Deacon's Ministry, Gospel Choir Ministry, Sunday School Ministry, HIS FAMILY BEFORE AND AFTER.. Robert was the proud Father, Provider, and Mentor of two daughters; Myra Yvonne, Trinese Evon; and two sons Gary Robert, Jay Allen; and three grandchildren; Dasia, Jay and Destiny Robert was blessed to have the direct support, encouragement and the effectual fervent prayers of his Mother in-law, Florence Lillian Hines, of Portsmouth, Virginia and of his sister in-law, Suzanne Strong Blackwell (wife of Pastor Floyd M Blackwell) of Newport News, Virginia, and Robert especially enjoyed the long, extended conversations with his sister in-law Evelyn Blackwell (wife of Thomas Blackwell) and the reports that he received on Sarah Blackwell (wife of Richard Blackwell). Robert was preceded in immortality by all his ten siblings, four sisters; Bessie, Alice, Lorraine, Elizabeth and six brothers; William, George, Richard, James, Thomas, and Floyd. What a joyous homecoming. The end of a direct lineage's journey on this side of heaven. Robert remained devoted to his family, and friends until the passage to eternity because of the justification of our Lord and Savior, Jesus The Christ. Deacon Robert Lee Blackwell is survived by the following nieces and nephews: Patricia, Tashonia (Floyd) Theodore, Barbara, Diane, and Geraldine (Thomas) Penny, Paris (Lorraine); Ralph, Anthony, and Eric (George); Cynthia, Regina, Faye, and Katrina (James) Wanda, Pam, and Gail (Richard); Robert has a myriad great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12pm Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Shivers Funeral Chapel BY INVITATION ONLY. In compliance with CDC guidelines, limited attendance will be strictly adhered to and required. The service will be live streamed on the Shivers Funeral Chapel Facebook Page. Public viewing will take place Friday, February 5, 2021 from 4-6 pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Mr. Blackwell is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Blackwell family on your thoughts and prayers. To view the service for Deacon Blackwell go to Shivers Funeral Chapel Facebook Page at the service hour. Click on videos. Click on Deacon Blackwell's name. The Family extends a very special "Thank you" to Bishop Kim Brown, Elder Valerie Brown, Pastor Marcus Northam, Deaconess Kimberly Green, Deaconess Lisa Dixon (Mount Lebanon, Hampton Roads, Virginia, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina); for all of the love and support extended. As well to Rev. Dr. Joyce Foster, Pastor Adal Bell, Steward Doris Jean Rawls, Elder Verlicious Clark, and a very special "thank you" and lots of hugs to my niece, Retired Army, Master Sergeant, Patricia Annette Blackwell Watts.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12pm Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Shivers Funeral Chapel BY INVITATION ONLY. In compliance with CDC guidelines, limited attendance will be adhered to and required. The service will be live streamed on the Shivers Funeral Chapel Facebook Page. Public viewing will take place Friday, February 5, 2021 from 4-6 pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Mr. Blackwell is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Blackwell family on your thoughts and prayers. To view the service for Deacon Blackwell go to Shivers Funeral Chapel Facebook Page at the service hour. Click on videos. Click on Deacon Blackwell's name.