Obituary

Bernadine Cutrer Blackburn

December 12, 1929 - January 3, 2025

 ~HER LEGENDARY LIFE~

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” – John 1:4

Bernadine Cutrer made her debut into this world on December 12, 1929 in Wilmer, Louisiana, through the vessels of Johnny Cutrer and Jestina Williams Cutrer. At the age of 95, Bernadine, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, in the comfort of her home.

Bernadine was part of an extraordinary family. Her father, Johnny, had 15 children from a previous marriage, and with his second wife, Jestina, Bernadine’s mother, he welcomed 10 more children. Growing up in a bustling household with nine siblings, John “Busta” Russell, Robert James “Jack”, William “Harvey”, Leo “John”, Cleo “Dave”, Creola, Mae Helen, Evelyn and Johnnie Mae, and an extended family of other brothers and sisters, she learned the values of hard work, faith, and unconditional love. She was one of the last three surviving siblings from this remarkable family, leaving behind heartbroken, her brother William and sister Mae Helen.

As a child, Bernadine attended Oak Grove Baptist Church, where her faith was first nurtured. In 1945, while on the bus coming from Big Creek A.M.E Church, she met a short and dark gentleman that captured her heart. After three years of “courting,” Bernadine married the love of her life, Wilton Blackburn on January 29, 1948. She soon after moved her membership to Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where she remained a devoted member, faithfully serving her congregation and community. She enjoyed visiting Silver Creek A.M.E where the majority of her family attended.

Bernadine was a bright and dedicated student at Dillon High School in Kentwood, Louisiana, but when her father fell ill, she left school in the 11th grade to care for her younger siblings and help maintain the household. This act of sacrifice reflected her selflessness and devotion to family, qualities that defined her life.

She spent much of her life as a homemaker, lovingly raising her children. Once all of her children were grown, Bernadine gained employment outside of her home at Windmill Nursery. At the age of 53, she potted plants and pulled weeds from sun up to sun down for the next 10 years. Bernadine found joy in her work and made friendships that she always cherished. She eventually stepped away from her job to care for her husband when he became ill, a testament to her deep devotion to family.

Bernadine lived through some of the most challenging times in history, including the Great Depression and segregation. Despite these hardships, she always relied on her faith and family to persevere.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” – Psalm 37:23

~HER LASTING LEGACY~

“You will know them by their fruits.” – Matthew 7:16

Bernadine and her husband, Wilton raised 10 children together, Delores, Larry, Carolyn, Saundra, Kenneth, Deborah, Jacqueline, Charles, Mary and Robert. They also had five bonus children, Larry (Verna) Armstrong, Virginia Baylil, Tongia Bickham, Kellie Bickham (Scotty) Temple and Jerome (Valerie) Bickham, Sr. whom she loved as her own. Her loving legacy continued to flourish as it expanded to include 25 amazing grandchildren, 39 marvelous great-grandchildren, and 29 glorious great-great-grandchildren. 

She was a woman of deep faith and service, working as a missionary, a Sunday school teacher, and a devoted worker in the church kitchen. Her tireless dedication to her family, church, and community left an indelible impact on everyone she encountered.

Though her life was filled with joy, Bernadine also experienced deep sorrow, including the loss of her husband, Wilton; three of her children, Larry Blackburn, Carolyn Blackburn Puckett and Jacqueline Blackburn; her siblings, John “Busta”, Robert “Jack”, Leo “John”, Cleo “Dave”, Creola, Evelyn and Johnnie Mae; 4 grandchildren, Anastasia Blackburn, Brannon Cole, Kendrick Dunbar and Turkisha Blackburn;3 great grandchildren, Jaston Conerly, Micheal Jones, Jr. and Aaron Blackburn; and 2 great-great grandchildren, Ky’Lealh Williams and Rhytious Burks, who preceded her in death. A part of her suffered with each loss, but her faith and strength gave her the courage to continue, inspiring her family and all who knew her.

Her enduring resilience, compassion, and strong faith created a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of her immediate family, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and community.

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

~HER LOYAL LOVE~

“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19

Bernadine’s life was a testament to love. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of her famous chicken and dumplings. She created a space where family and friends felt welcome, cherished, and supported. 

Her devotion to her husband, children, and extended family was unwavering. When life demanded sacrifices, such as leaving school to care for her siblings or stepping away from work to care for her ailing husband, she did so with grace and strength.

In her final days, Bernadine was surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. They expressed their admiration and gratitude for the incredible woman she was, sharing cherished memories and holding her close. Even in her last moments, Bernadine continued to hum the old spirituals that had carried her through life’s joys and challenges, a testament to her unshakable faith. She passed peacefully, her spirit comforted by the love of her family and her devotion to God.

Above all, Bernadine’s faith in God was her anchor. It shaped every aspect of her life, guiding her through challenges and filling her with joy during times of triumph. Her love for her family, friends, and church community was boundless and will continue to inspire those she leaves behind. Her love will forever be felt by her surviving children, Delores Blackburn, Saundra Blackburn Conerly, Kenneth (Denise) Blackburn, Sr., Deborah Blackburn Thompson, Charles (Diedre) Blackburn, Sr., Mary Blackburn Ford and Robert (Carolyn) Blackburn. Her lasting memories will forever be with her two siblings, William Cutrer and Mae Helen Cutrer Hookfin, her two sisters-in-law, Celestine Cutrer and Bertha Cutrer as well as her brother-in-law Denman “Bruce” Watson.

Bernadine will be remembered as a loving wife, a nurturing mother, a caring grandmother, a supportive sister, a generous aunt and a loyal friend whose life embodied faith, resilience, and kindness. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 3:00PM – 6:00PM at Crain and Sons Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 12:00PM at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Keeneth Saulsberry - Pastor and Rev. Johnny Causey - Eulogist. Interment - Mt. Olive Church Cemetery. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton are in charge of arrangements.