Lori Jean Blackwelder, age 66, of Maryville, went to be with her Lord and Savior March 17, 2023. Born and raised in Rome, Georgia, Lori graduated from Armuchee High School in 1974. She graduated from Tift College in 1978 in Forsyth Georgia, receiving her Elementary Education degree with a minor in music. She taught 2nd and 5th grades in Thomaston, Georgia. In 1983, Lori received her Master of Religious Education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Dallas Texas. She moved to Knoxville, Tennessee to work in childcare for over 25 years, loving, teaching and caring for many children throughout the years. Lori loved music and singing and was in several choral groups and choirs, often chosen to bless us with a solo. She enjoyed puzzles, games and playing Dominos with her special ladies. Lori fiercely loved her nieces, great nieces and nephews; they were her heart. The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff at Asbury Place, Maryville; DCI Dialysis Clinic, Maryville and Ft. Sanders Medical Center.
Preceded in death by parents, David Eugene and Barbara Nell Barnard Blackwelder and brother, Martin Lee Blackwelder.
Lori is survived by her special nieces, Leeah Silvey (Andy), Cesilee Ashley (Kyle); great nieces and nephews, Madelyn, Wyatt, Cathryn, Pierce, Cayden, Ember and Elton and Sister-in-law, Joan Hayes Blackwelder.
Family will receive friends Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service to follow at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 2500 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920. Rev. Paul Lloyd and Pastor Kirby Ownby will be officiating. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Deacons of Mt. Olive and the Joy Class. The Funeral Service will be lived streamed on Mt. Olive Baptist Church facebook page. Graveside service will be held 1:00 PM Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at the New Armuchee Baptist Church Cemetery, Hwy. 27 N, Rome, Georgia 30165.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mount Olive Music Department. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com
