Peoria – Virginia Mae Blackford, 81, of Peoria, IL passed away on Friday, January 29, 2016 at Unity Point Health Proctor Hospital. She was born February 27, 1934 in Kenton, TN to Edgar and Rhoda (Edwards) Eddleman. Virginia married Robert Blackford on May 5, 1956.
Surviving is her husband Robert Blackford of Peoria, IL, two sons: David (Vickie) Blackford of East Peoria, IL and Allan (Francie) Blackford of Springfield, MO, and four grandchildren: Kevin, David, Dustin, and Jordan. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Jerry Eddleman, and her sister Darlene Borzello.
Raised as a southern Baptist in Memphis, TN, Virginia sang gospel music throughout the south as a teenager. She graduated from Humes High School in 1953 along with her classmate, Elvis Presley. Virginia later gave up a singing career to raise a family here in Peoria, but did still enjoy singing occasionally as “Mrs. B”, Central Illinois’ “Only Female Elvis Impersonator” on WMBD in the 1990s.
Services will be held at 1 pm Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel. Visitation will be from 12 – 1 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Parkview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Heart of Illinois Head Injury Group. Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.Davison-Fulton.com
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