Bessie Murrell Blackwell

She was born August 31, 1908 in Springfield, the daughter of the late William Hanson and Sarah Frances (Robinson) Murrell. She attended the Springfield Public School system and graduated from Springfield (Central) High School. She married John H. Blackwell in 1930, and he preceded her in death.

Mrs. Blackwell was a homemaker and worked seasonal at the Illinois Department of Revenue for a few years. She attended St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Springfield. She is the mother of 13 children and the grandmother of 20 children. There are 26 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Dorciel Baker, a grandchild, 8 brothers, and 3 sisters.

Surviving are 6 sons, A. Lincoln (wife Gladys) Blackwell of Springfield, Joseph Blackwell of Springfield, Henry (wife Brenda) Blackwell of Peoria, IL, John W. (wife Terry) Blackwell of New York, Wordie Blackwell of New York, and Winton (wife Robin) Blackwell of New York; 6 daughters, Joy Blackwell of Springfield, Delores Blackwell of Springfield, George Ann Blackwell of Springfield, Joan Elizabeth Blackwell of Scottsdale, AZ, Betty Royce of New York, and Mary Jane Blackwell of New York; 2 sisters, Geraldine Tinsley and Olan Elliott, both of Springfield and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield, where visitation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010 from 4 to 6 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010 at 11 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Charity of the donor’s choice.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.