Blackwell, Gladys Merita

Gladys Merita (Bunky) Grimm Blackwell, 92, of Hagerstown, Maryland (formerly of Christiansburg, Va.), died Friday January 27, 2006 at the Washington County Hospital.

She was born September 6, 1913 in Grottoes, Virginia, the oldest daughter of the late George O. and Emma V. Shifflett Grimm. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Leonard W. Blackwell, who died November 2, 1990. They were married in Hagerstown, Maryland on March 30, 1935. After their marriage, they lived in Grottoes and Waynesboro, Virginia and worked in the silk mills there. Also, both worked at Crompton Velvet Plant in Waynesboro.

In 1945 she attended Bethany Bible School in Chicago, Illinois with her husband. Both worked part-time at Sears & Roebuck until he was ordained and called to pastor in Newport News, Virginia. During the forty years she worked in the ministry with her husband, they built three churches; the first in Newport News, Virginia, the second in Norfolk, Virginia and the third in Tacoma, Washington. They also served churches in Irricana, Alberta, Canada; Middleton and Pontiac, Michigan, Danville, Rocky Mount and Eagle Rock, Virginia.

Mrs. Blackwell loved children and was a youth teacher until her eightieth year. She continued to attend church until her death.

She is survived by a sister, Betty L. Willis of Hagerstown, Maryland; also, a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, George O. Grimm, Jr. and Earl Grimm; and a sister, Virginia “Ginny” Stone. “Bunky” will be greatly missed by many friends.

Services will be held Thursday, February 2, 2006 at 2 p.m. at Christiansburg Church of the Brethren with the Rev. Don Peters officiating. Interment will be in the Sunset Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday February 1, 2006 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Horne Funeral Service. Mrs. Blackwell requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust, 1505 Dundee Avenue Elgin, Illinois 60120-1619. The Blackwell family is being served by Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg, Va., 382-2612. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com