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Gwendolyn Maude Willard Blackwell, 83 of Statesville, NC passed away Thursday, April 9, 2020.
Gwen was born December 28, 1936 in Union, South Carolina, the daughter of Oliver and Nellie Willard who preceded her in death. Gwen married her soulmate and best friend, Paul K. Blackwell on December 25, 1960. P.K. (as she called him) and Gwen shared 59 wonderful years of marriage together.
Gwen received her nurse’s degree in 1958 and served as a registered nurse for more than 52 years, 35 of those years were at Iredell Memorial Hospital in ICU and Recovery. Gwen was loved by patients for her sweet, caring spirit.
She served her community in the Statesville Civitan Club, having been the first female president. Paul and Gwen joined Wesley Memorial UMC in 1971 and quickly become an integral part of the church family. Gwen served in the United Methodist Women, Children’s Department, Wesley Adult Fellowship and joyfully worked as “Sunshine” for 15 years in the Clown Ministry. Her willingness to help, her compassion and humor will be missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her husband Paul, Gwen is survived by her sons Paul Blackwell, Jr., Jerry (Lara) Blackwell, two grandsons; Joey and Josh Blackwell, her sister Peggy Berry and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
A true celebration of Gwen’s life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Wesley Memorial UMC, 825 Wesley Drive, Statesville, NC 28677.
Carolina Cremation of Salisbury and Charlotte is assisting the Blackwell family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Terry Keller says
Paul and family, So sorry for your loss. Gwen was a wonderful person. She made a difference in my life and I am sure many others also. Terry Keller
Terry Keller says
Paul and family, So sorry for your loss. Gwen was a wonderful person. She made a difference in my life and I am sure many others also. Terry
Bill and Sharon Buscher says
Paul, Our deepest sympathies for the loss of Gwen. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Sybil Elliott says
So very sorry for your loss,Gwen was such a sweet caring Nurse and friend.R.I.P.Praying for this sweet family.Heaven just got a little sweeter.
Bill and Ellar Hicks says
I knew Paul with working with him in Cub Scouts at the county level for many years. Many times over the years I would meet Gwen and Paul. They were always joking with one another and would make you feel good and laugh. My fondest memory of Gwen was her wheeling our four year old daughter into surgery for having her tonsils removed. Our daughter started crying and then Gwen pulled out quickly a latex glove, blew it up, drew a happy face on it and gave to our daughter. She stopped crying immediately, raised up off the stretcher and gave her mom and me a hug as if to indicate that all is okay now. Thank you again Gwen.
Marybeth White says
I am so sorry I did not know of Gwen’s death sooner. She was a wonderful nurse, coworker and Christian who truly lived and shared her faith. She welcomed my family into the congregation of Wesley Memorial Hospital .