Obituary

Reverend Joseph "Joe" Blackwell
December 07, 1926 - June 26, 2020



Rev. Joseph Blackwell, 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Tylertown, Mississippi on Friday, June 26, 2020, surrounded by his family. He was born December 7, 1926 in Sun, Louisiana to the late Whit and Emily Blackwell. 

Bro. Joe as he was known to most, was an ordained minister of God who pastored churches in Attala, Pike, Jackson, Marion, and Walthall counties during 50+ years of ministry. He was a wonderful preacher and teacher, a wise and loving pastor and counselor until he went home to be with the Lord. He loved to share what God was teaching him with his congregation and anyone else who would listen. He loved to visit his flock and no hour was inconvenient to minister to those in need.

To his family he was a giant of a man, a great leader who had strong opinions and convictions, he was loving, stubborn, funny, forgiving, faithful, and generous. He always had a song in his heart and you could hear him whistling or singing as long as he had breath.

What mattered most to him was that the Lord be glorified through his life and his death.

We grieve his passing from this life, but not as those who have no hope.

“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.”  2 Corinthians 5:8-9

He was also preceded in death by his devoted wife of 68 years Hilda Blackwell; sister Ruth Duncan; brother Richard “Dick” Blackwell; sister Grace Blackwell; brother Wendell “Ben” Blackwell; sister Weneva “Dude” Williams; sister Susie “Sue” Carter.

Survivors include his daughters Sharon (Vic) Johnston, Wanda (Hugh) Plunkett, Anita Jo (Ray) Wright, and Susan "Scooter" (Robert) Ellis; 15 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Reverend Glenn (Pat) Martin; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and loving family.

Pallbearers are Ray Wright, Robert Ellis, Ky Johnston, Vince Johnston, Davy Johnston, Joey Plunkett, Brayden Jenkins, Caleb Wright, Zach Wright, Josh Wright, and Colby Ellis.

Honorary pallbearers are great-grandsons

A private family graveside service will be held with Reverend Justin Knight, and Reverend Glenn Martin officiating. Burial will be in the New Zion Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to Tylertown Baptist Church Mission Fund or Samaritan’s Purse.