March 19, 1930 – June 8, 2025
Barbara Ann Blackwell, 95, of Mitchell, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Stonebridge Health Campus.
Born March 19, 1930, in Mitchell, she was the daughter of Harold and Artie Mae (Russell) VanCleave. Barbara married Milton Hancock Jr. on December 30, 1949, and he preceded her in death on October 15, 1952. She then married Leon Blackwell on July 29, 1978, and he preceded her in death on January 8, 1997.
Barbara was a 1949 graduate of Mitchell High School and a member of the Mitchell First Baptist Church.  She retired from Lehigh Cement Company, where she worked as a secretary. Barbara enjoyed quilting, doing puzzles, and painting.
Surviving are her daughter, Linda Ann (Danny) Hancock Baker of Mitchell; granddaughter, Shelby Dawn (Justin) Henderson of Orleans; and great-grandchildren, Molly Justine (Braeden Fults) Henderson of Orleans and J.B. Henderson of Orleans.
Her parents, husbands, grandson, Brandon Lee Baker, and sisters, Louise Buchanan, Bernadine Harrell, and Betty Nikirk, preceded her in death.
The graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 12, at Mitchell Cemetery with Reverend Reggie Clark officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center.
Memorial gifts can be made in Barbara’s memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com.
