Maxine Blackmon
Wilsonville

Maxine Blackmon, age 83, returned to her heavenly home Tuesday, March 15, after a long illness. Her devotion to her family and her relationship with Jesus Christ supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

Maxine was born to the late James “Jake” and Gernell Abell in Enigma, Ga., on June 18, 1932. She was the middle of two sisters, Betty Joyce and Patsy. Maxine was raised in Waycross, Ga., and after high school moved to Atlanta, Ga., to attend Georgia Baptist College of Nursing and Mercer University. It was while in nursing school that she met James W. Blackmon, her best friend and lifelong love. They married in 1956 and went on to share 60 years of happiness together.

Maxine was blessed with a loving family. Together, she and Jim had two children, Jim, Jr., and Carol. From the very beginning, they dedicated their children to God and encouraged them to grow in their love for the Lord. For over 50 years, Maxine served her Lord at Wilsonville Baptist Church. She was strong in her faith and a true prayer warrior.

Maxine was kind and soft-spoken and always looked for ways to help others. She devoted her life to nursing and worked as a nurse for many years. She later became a nursing instructor at Nunnelley State Technical College in Childersburg, until retirement.

She will be dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate knowing that she is at peace with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Maxine is survived by her husband, James W. Blackmon, Sr.; her son, James W. Blackmon, Jr. (Janice); her daughter, Carol Chapin (Curtis); grandchildren, Anna Grace Chapin, Caleb Chapin, Matt Blackmon, Channing Perry (Justin), Stephanie Dorough, and Emily Dorough; and a host of other family friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James “Jake” and Gernell Abell, and her sisters, Betty Joyce Oliver (Cleek) and Patsy Douglas (Vernon).

The funeral service will be held at Wilsonville Baptist Church Friday, March 18 with a viewing at 10 a.m. and service at 11 am. A graveside service will follow at Wilsonville City Cemetery with a reception afterwards at Wilsonville Baptist Church.  Dr. Steve Thomas will be officiating. Bolton Funeral Home is directing.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be made in her memory to the Wilsonville Baptist Church Building Fund (9851 North Main Street, Wilsonville, AL  35186) or to the Lupus Foundation of America (Lupus.org).

Please sign online condolences at Boltonfuneralhome.com.