Jean Babb Blackwell, a strong and vibrant woman who served as a role model to all who knew her, passed away peacefully Sept. 28, 2024, at Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, at the age of 97.
She was born June 13, 1927, at Ivor, Virginia.
She cultivated her adventurous spirit, riding her horse, Flicka, around the family farm. Her father built tennis courts on their property, where she and her sisters honed their skills and their competitive instincts.
In 1948, Jean graduated from what is now Longwood University — which led to her career in education. She began teaching at a high school in Waynesboro, Virginia. It was there she met Price Barron Blackwell Jr. They married on May 19, 1951, and embarked on a nearly 60-year partnership.
Their life together took them to a variety of places before settling in Crawfordsville in 1957. When Price retired, they embraced the warmth of Bradenton, Florida, eventually making it their permanent home in 1986.
Jean was a force of nature, passionate about the outdoors and staying active. She played tennis well into her 80s and swam nearly every day until she was 95.
Music was a huge part of her life. She was a long-time member of the church choir at Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church in Crawfordsville and loved to sing with friends and family. She never missed an opportunity for a party, especially if she could dance, including in later life at family weddings, her most recent performance being in 2023.
Her love for all animals was profound, and she was fearless around them. Combining that with her joy of the water allowed her to introduce her family to a myriad of sea creatures.
Her sharp wit and irreverent sense of humor were legendary. Jean loved to poke fun, often sticking her tongue out just as a photo was taken. She instilled in her children — Price Barron Blackwell III (Barry), Harrison Hundley Blackwell, Jean Stuart Blackwell, Parker Babb Blackwell and Kennon Lee Burns — a keen sense of humor and a penchant for sarcasm.
Jean left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Described as welcoming, curious, stubborn and persistent, she challenged her family to achieve all they could. New acquaintances often remarked, “Your mom is such a lovely lady!” However, for those who knew her well, she was a rascal to the end.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Price, who passed away May 3, 2012. She is survived by her five children and their spouses; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren, as well as her companion, Steve Stevens, all of whom remember her indomitable spirit.
Jean’s life was a celebration of joy, resilience and wit. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew her.
Jean Blackwell will be interred with her husband at Sarasota National Cemetery in Florida. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.
