Beatrice "Bea" (Richardson) Blackburn

Mrs. Rhoda Beatrice Blackburn, 96 of North Wilkesboro passed away Sunday, November 28, 2021 at SECU Hospice Care Center of Yadkin.  Mrs. Blackburn was born July 26, 1925 in Wilkes County to Lonnie and Etta Roope Richardson.  Although she didn’t have any children, Aunt Bea loved her nieces and nephews, the neighborhood children, and all of the children at church.  She was a faithful member of Arbor Grove Baptist Church. Bea sang in the choir, loved making fried apple pies for church fund raisers; and helped with various roles including flower arrangements and decorating.  She loved her sweet husband, Elmer, and her family with her whole heart.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Henry Blackburn, a brother Ralph Richardson, and three sisters, Mary Nell Johnson, Thelma Johnson, and Mae Blackburn.

Survivors include two sisters, Ruby Calhoun of Sparta, Ruth Billings of Hays; and nieces and nephews (including greats and great-greats)

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Arbor Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Kyle Chapman officiating. Burial will be in Arbor Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. A public viewing will be held from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM prior to the service at the church.  

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Arbor Grove Baptist Church, 196 Arbor Grove Church Rd., North Wilkesboro, NC  28659.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to all of Bea’s caregivers including Amanda, Judy, Julie, Helen, and Christine; as well as Chatham Nursing and Rehabilitation and SECU Hospice Care Center of Yadkin.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Beatrice "Bea" (Richardson) Blackburn, please visit our floral store.