Marion Crossley Blackburn

1927 – 2020

Known as “Beautiful Grandma,” Marion was beautiful inside and out. She enjoyed singing, dancing and had a wide range of talents. She established a school for mentally challenged children, owned and was an instructor at a beauty school, and went on to own and manage a walk-in medical center. She was dearly loved and cherished every moment with her four children, eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren and late husband. While she passed away peacefully, her contagious smile will always be with us.

Our Beautiful Grandma - Marion Crossley Blackburn - by 3 generations of family

When people asked her, “What would you want to be remembered by?”

Grandma would like us to recall how she made us laugh and smile.

Giggling and smiling as we slowly walked down memory lane,

lasting and joyful memories filled our minds along the way.

We will always remember the day she tried on that peach dress.

The kids nicknamed her “Beautiful Grandma,” a name that made sense.

Inside and out, her beauty captured everyone she met.

She sang on the radio, danced and had all kinds of talent.

When mentally challenged children had nowhere to learn and grow,

she got the Mayor’s approval to form a school for them to go.

At her walk-in clinic, kids looked forward to getting their shots.

Distracting them with laughter, they only felt her gentle touch.

Grandma was the first to go parasailing, inspiring a line to form.

She had the tour bus laughing as she sang a Trinidad song.

Co-workers were flabbergasted by Grandma’s energy and legacy.

They’d ask about the time Grandma hydroplaned on a Harley!

With her perseverance, some called her the Bionic Woman.

She exemplified resiliency, just ask her heart surgeon.

While we will continue to sing Grandma’s songs and traditions,

her incredible voice may have skipped a few generations.

When asked what wisdom she’d share if she had two minutes to update the world,

she passionately said with sincerity, “You can do whatever you put your mind to.”