Celebrating the life of Betty Lou Griffith Blackwell
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Obituary for Betty Lou Griffith Blackwell
Betty Lou Griffith Blackwell of Kershaw, South Carolina, 80, the beloved wife of Dr. Danny Reese Blackwell, was the only child born to Ella Elizabeth Griffith (Nell) and Robert Earl Griffith on October 26, 1934, in Pageland, South Carolina. She was an alumna of Columbia College and College of Charleston. Betty Lou was a member of First Baptist Church of Kershaw and was involved in all facets of the church. Her faith, family and friends were the main focus of her life. She taught Sunday school and was a member of the Fallaw Sunday School class. She also served on the flower committee, hostess committee, the decorating committee and the pastoral search committee. Her involvement also included the Girls in Action program and membership in the Women’s Missionary Union. Betty Lou was committed to education as member of the Board of Trustees at Charleston Southern University and Board of Visitors at the University of South Carolina at Lancaster. Betty Lou started the Kindergarten program at First Baptist Church, where she taught for several years. She exemplified her passion for literacy for all ages by teaching an adult literacy program as well. Throughout her life, Betty Lou was an ambassador in her community and in the state of South Carolina. She served on the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Garden Club for many years and was an active member and past President of the King Alfred Garden Club. She was a member of the Hobkirk Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Betty Lou was also an advocate for historic preservation and served on the Governor’s Mansion Foundation, which was formed to raise funds for the preservation and enhancement of the Mansion complex. Betty Lou was a gracious hostess who loved entertaining and opened her home to many. Whether hosting bridge club or throwing celebratory luncheons, with grace and modesty she brought joy and love to everyone around her. She was loved and adored by her children and grandchildren. “Lou,” as she was known to her grandchildren, enjoyed spending time with them and teaching them strong Christian values. Her passion for flower arranging, cooking family recipes and her love for art and gardening will be special memories forever cherished by her family. Betty Lou was a beautiful, elegant and selfless lady. She is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, Dr. Danny Reese Blackwell; her five children, Elizabeth Blackwell Roberts (Robin), Mclean, Virginia; David Reese Blackwell (Linda), Lancaster, South Carolina; Amy Blackwell Sims (Stephen), Charlotte, North Carolina; Daniel Griffith Blackwell (Erika), Hickory, North Carolina; Griffith Blackwell Barre (Stewart), Kershaw, South Carolina; twelve grandchildren, Elizabeth Sims Miles (Thomas), Birmingham, Alabama; Millicent Blackwell Sims, Charleston, South Carolina; David Reese Blackwell III, New York, New York; Griffith Elizabeth Roberts, New York, New York; Emily Larkin Blackwell, Charlotte, North Carolina; Anne Blythe Roberts, New York, New York; Stephen Hubert Sims, Jr., Richmond, Virginia; William Andrew Blackwell, Hickory, North Carolina; Madeline Griffith Richmond, John Stewart Barre, Lyles Elizabeth Barre, Kershaw, South Carolina; Benjamin Scott Blackwell, Hickory, North Carolina; and two great-grandchildren, Katherine Blackwell Miles, and Reese Elizabeth Miles, Birmingham, Alabama. A service to celebrate her life will be held Sunday, April 26, 2015, at two o’clock in the afternoon at First Baptist Church, 210 North Matson Street, Kershaw, South Carolina. The Reverend Bryant D. Fersner will officiate. A private family entombment will precede the service in the Kershaw City Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service at the Blackwell home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in her memory to the Kindergarten program at the First Baptist Church, the Mrs. Danny R. Blackwell Scholarship Fund at Charleston Southern University and the Mrs. Danny R. Blackwell Scholarship Fund at The University of South Carolina at Lancaster. Baker Funeral Home, 210 East Hilton Street, Kershaw, South Carolina is serving the Blackwell family. Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting, www.bakerfunerals.com.
