Bernice Blackwell

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Mrs. Bernice Blackwell, 95, of Eldorado, passed away at 6:11 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, at her residence.

She was the wife of James R. Blackwell, who preceded her in death in September 1971.

Bernice was born in Eldorado on Nov. 21, 1913, the daughter of the late Chan and Iva Francis (Evans) Brown.

She was the oldest surviving member of First United Methodist Church of Eldorado. Bernice was also a member of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, an auxiliary volunteer at Ferrell Hospital, member of the Eldorado Garden Study Club; she also volunteered during American Red Cross blood drives at her church and helped with Special Olympics.

During her career as a school teacher of 30-plus years, Bernice taught at Lincoln School, Jefferson School, Washington and Hillcrest Schools.

Bernice is survived by a son, Tom Blackwell of Eldorado.

She is also survived by a grandson, Tyler Blackwell of St. Clair, Mo.; two sisters-in-law, Willidean Brown of Arnold Mo. and Dorothy Brown of Humbolt, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bernice was preceded in death by six brothers, John Brown, Otto Brown, Bill Brown, Leonard Brown, Norman Brown and Frank Brown.

Funeral services will be held at Colonial Terrace Funeral Home at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, with the Rev. Julie Allison officiating. Burial will be in Lindale Cemetery. Friends may call 10 a.m. to service time Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to the family via the Internet site www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com.