Mary Elma Quinn Blackwell

Mary Elma Quinn Blackwell passed away on May 16th, 2025 at the age of 102. She had been in declining health and fought valiantly against Parkinson’s disease in her later years. She was born on January 16, 1923, in Spruce Pine, N.C. and graduated from Mitchell County High School in 1939. Mary assisted in the World War II effort by inspecting U.S. bombers at Glenn L. Martin Company in Baltimore, Md.

She married the late Joseph (Joe) E. Blackwell Sr. in 1944, and moved to Charleston S.C.in 1945. Mary moved to Ashburn in 1949, where she and Joe provided care for his widowed Aunt Zula B. Canty, who was in declining health. In addition to being a homemaker for Joe and the children, Mary worked in the florist business for several years before opening up Mary Blackwell Florist in Ashburn in 1961. She sold her business and retired in 1997.

Mary was a very active member of Ashburn Methodist Church from the day she joined in 1949. She taught Sunday school, served on the Administrative Board in several capacities, served on numerous committees and helped with VBS for many years. Mary visited many people who were sick and shut in, sharing her delicious homemade cooking, including bread, cakes and cookies.

Mary (Meme) thoroughly enjoyed her role as grandmother and great-grandmother as well as spending time with other family and friends. She was a huge Braves fan, often staying up late to watch her Braves when they played on the west coast.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents T.K. and Iris Quinn; brothers Frank, Tommy and Dan Quinn; sisters Rachel Hughes, Lucille Pittman, and Anna Lee Peterson. Mary’s husband Joe (“Blackwell”) passed away in 2008 after 64 years of marriage.

Mary is survived by sister Jean Q. Johnson of McDonough, Ga,; brothers Joe (Josephine) Quinn and Edwin (Julia) Quinn, all of Marion, N.C.; children Joe (Lucy) Blackwell Jr. of Woodstock, Ga, Mary B. Denham of Ashburn and Rachel (David) Flake of Chula, Ga; six grandchildren: Bill (Megan) Blackwell of Winchester, Ma; Steve (Ashley) Blackwell of Huntington Beach Ca; Elizabeth (Graeme) Ross of Mt Pleasant, S.C.; Caroline Flake of Chula, Ga; Michael (Stacey) Moore of Ashburn; and Ken (Kelly) Moore of Ashburn; Ten great-grandchildren: Logan and Lexie Moore of Ashburn; Zach and Cici Blackwell of Winchester Ma; Kaylie, McKenna, and Savannah Blackwell of Huntington Beach, Ca; Kayden and Kage Moore of Ashburn; and Gavin Ross of Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Also precious and loving caregivers: Alice Nelson of Tifton Ga, and Melody Ward of Ashburn.

Mary will be sorely missed by family and friends. She leaves a legacy of love and compassion that few attain. Mary will certainly hear the heart-warming and thrilling words of Jesus, “well done, good and faithful servant.”

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the Ashburn First United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the Ashburn First United Methodist Church.