Juanita Marie Blackenberry

Juanita Marie Blackenberry, affectionately known as “Marie,” age 88, passed peacefully at Scioto Rehabilitation Center on Sunday, September 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and the caring support team from Scioto Rehabilitation Center.

Marie was born in Kimball, West Virginia, to Edward Lee and Rosanna (Jefferies) Terry. She was the third of 16 children.

In 1957, Marie moved with her family to Columbus, Ohio. Her first job was as a waitress at a local diner, where she would meet the love of her life, our Dad, “Blackie.” Mom always said it was love at first sight. Her next job was working alongside our dad at Carl Brown’s IGA Grocery Store as a cashier.

Marie and Blackie were married in 1959. She later began working as a cashier at Huntington National Bank. It seemed Mom always enjoyed working around money. 😊

The couple welcomed their first child, Angie, and nine years later, their second child, Bob. Marie and Blackie were married for 16 years until his untimely passing in 1975.

Marie went on to work as a cashier at Busy Bee Grocery Store for many years. All the neighborhood kids loved to stop by and visit with “Miss B.” 😊 Marie loved all the children in the neighborhood and was a den mother for the Cub Scouts for approximately five years. All the members thought of her as a second mom. Marie truly was a mother to everyone. Uncle Richie lovingly called her “Sister Mom.”

Marie delighted in making treats for the neighborhood children. She was known for her popcorn balls at Halloween, and her Rice Krispies treats throughout the year. Just ask Shawn! 😊 He even requested them for his homecoming party after returning from the war.

Marie was blessed with three wonderful grandchildren, Zak, Kyla, and Kalyn. She always beamed with pride when talking about them. She was also very proud of having such a loving and caring daughter-in-law, Felicia.

Mom retired from her last job at Schottenstein’s in 2000. Retirement gave her more time to enjoy her family, cowboy shows, and, especially, her beloved OSU Buckeyes. Everyone knew just how much she loved her Buckeyes.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Lee, Sr. and Rosanna Terry; her husband, Robert S. Blackenberry; her sisters, Rose Bloom Terry, Cleopatria Steward, Dorothy Holleman, and Katherine Harrell; her brother, Edward Terry, Jr.; and her sister-in-law, Margo Terry.

Her cherished memory will forever remain in the hearts of her children, Angela Blackenberry-Adams and Robert “Bob” Blackenberry (Felicia); her sisters, Florine Castleman, Verona Terry, and Cynthia (Mark) Carpenter; her brothers, William Terry, Nathaniel Terry, Clarence (Brenda) Terry, Lonnie Terry, Richard (Lue) Terry, James (Valerie) Terry, and Jeffrey Terry; her three grandchildren, Zachary Blackenberry, Kyla Blackenberry, and Kalyn Blackenberry; more than 30 nieces and nephews; and her many family members, friends, and all of the neighborhood children whom she lovingly embraced as her own.

A memorial service will be held 1:00 pm Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Schoedinger East, 5360 E. Livingston Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43232.