Eloise Blackman

Eloise moved to Lansing, MI with her then husband Minister Ivan Jackson (deceased) in 1959, and to this union 4 children were born.

Upon her arrival in Michigan, Eloise united with Mt. Zion Baptist Church where her surrogate parents (Uncle and Aunt) Reverend John and Bessie Williams attended. She was a choir member and worked faithfully in the outreach ministry.

Eloise married Lloyd Blackman Sr. in 1967 and to this union 2 children were born. She was employed by Michigan State Police for over 20 years before she retired in 1992.

When her Uncle and Aunt started a new ministry, Eloise joined them and went on to receive her ministry license under Pastor John Williams. Eloise was released to join and attend Mt. Olive Baptist where she served faithfully as Assistant Pastor under Pastor Jessie Burks (deceased) and then continued to serve the ministry under the leadership of Pastor Paul Garrett.

She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing for her church, family and friends. She also loved to cook and her door was always open to anyone who was hungry. She loved family gatherings, westerns, cross word puzzles, shopping, and was known for her beautiful hats and purses.

Above all, she was a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother and will be sorely missed.

Eloise was preceded in death by her parents James and Annie Abrams, her husband Lloyd Blackman Sr., daughter Constance Jackson, and adopted father Rev. John “Irvin” Williams. She is survived by her adopted mother Bessie Williams, her children; Ivan Jackson, Kevin (Margaret) Jackson, Evelyn (Robert) Turner, Lloyd Blackman Jr., Anthony Blackman, Victor Mildton and Wayne Codogan; her 29 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Even though Eloise was an only child, she had many sisters including; Ruthie Garrett, Beverly Morrell, and her lifelong friend, Sarah Nick, as well as a host of cousins, aunts and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday December 21, 2016 at Solid Rock Baptist Church, 2419 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing. The family will receive friends from 11-12:30 prior to the service at the church.

Acknowledgement

We, the family of Minister Eloise Blackman, wish to thank our many friends and family for every expression of kindness extended to us during this time of loss and sorrow. Your prayers, heartfelt sympathy, comforting words, thoughts, calls, and other acts of kindness have brought consolation to us knowing that our mother is with Jesus. We will always remember you with the deepest gratitude.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI. On line condolences may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com