Kathy Jo Blackwell

Kathy Jo Anthony Blackwell passed away in Houston, Texas on April 22, 2016 at 59 years of age. She was born in Lufkin, Texas December 30, 1956. She is survived by her husband, Neil Blackwell of Houston, Texas; son, Aron and Kelle Blackwell; parents, Joe C. and Sissy Anthony of Lufkin, Texas; sister and brother-in-law, Terry and David Carter of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; brother, Mark Anthony of Lufkin, Texas; sister, Cindy Anthony of Dallas, Texas; nieces, Katy and Bryan Roberts (Parker and Hayes) of Lubbock, Texas, Julie Carter of Denver, Colorado and Laura Carter of Denver, Colorado; special great aunt, Myrtle Parker of Diboll, Texas; sisters-in-law, Christy Mayatt of Houston, Texas and Beverly Nesby of Houston, Texas.

Kathy graduated with a Bachelor of Science as a registered Dental Hygienist from Lamar University. She began her career as a dental hygienist for a private practice but later found her calling as a dental health educator with the Harris County Health Department. Kathy found joy in educating children on how to take care of their teeth and was known for handing out toothbrushes during Halloween.

Kathy was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, sister, aunt and great aunt. She loved her family. She cherished her time with them especially on their yearly July 4th trips to the beach house and at the family farm in Peavy Switch. She treasured her week-ends with husband Neil at the beach house. She loved God and always looked at the bright side of life. She loved gardening and flowers second to family spending time at home tending to her gardens. She was a positive, upbeat, caring person who loved people and helping anyone in need. A breast cancer survivor, Kathy was also a lifelong advocate for the fight against Diabetes which she acquired at the age of 11 and eventually took her life. Flowers are accepted at the service but if preferred the family asks that donations be made in her name to the American Diabetes Association online or mailing address is American Diabetes Association, P. O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday April 26th from 5-7pm, with a memorial service beginning at 7pm, at Pat H. Foley & Company.