Virgie Grace Blackwell

Virgie Grace Blackwell, 94, died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, at Abbey Hospice in Social Circle.

Grace Blackwell was born in Monticello to the late Walker Blackwell and Mary Farrar Blackwell. She was a graduate of Monticello High School and worked as an accountant in Monticello for a few years. She moved to Lakeland, Fla., and worked for the Peoples’ Bank where she became the first woman at the bank to rise to the position of branch manager.

She was actively involved for many years in her Lakeland community. She served on the finance committee of Lakeside Baptist Church, and was honored for her community service by being named the Businesswoman of the Year by the Pionette Woman’s Club.

After 35 years with The Peoples’ Bank, Miss Blackwell retired in 1987, and returned to Monticello to occupy the “old home place” where she, her brother and four sisters were born and raised. She immediately became an active member of the Monticello Baptist Church, where she volunteered her time and talent as the treasurer of the church.

Miss Blackwell loved music and played the piano for the Cookie Cutters, a washboard band that performed throughout Jasper County.

In 2010, Miss Blackwell moved to Edgewood where she lived out her remaining years and was loved by the staff and other residents.

Miss Blackwell, who never married, frequently quipped that she was “an unclaimed blessing.” But all who knew her did claim her as a blessing in their lives, and she will be remembered for her intelligence, her dedication to service, her quick wit, and her positive attitude.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Ernest Blackwell, and sisters, Myrtice Lewis Tuggle, Marie Hensley, and Louise Duffey.

She is survived by her sister, Janie Blackwell Kinard of Decatur, and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, at 2 p.m.at West View Cemetery. Rev. Rindy Trouteaud will officiate.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Monticello Baptist Church, 334 W. Greene Street, Monticello, GA 31064 or Jasper Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, 898 College Street, Monticello, GA 31064.

Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhome monticello.com.