Ethel Lee Bowen Blackburn
January 15, 1931 ~ August 18, 2024
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CLEMMONS – Ethel Lee Bowen Blackburn, age 93, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Born in Nash County, NC on January 15, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Percy Roosevelt Bowen and Maggie Lee Pridgen Bowen. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Blackburn; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Ruben and Dolores Bowen; Jake and Margie Bowen; and her great-grandchild, Vivian Bruce.
From her early years growing up in the Rocky Mount Cotton Mill village, Ethel took great pride in being a hard worker and provider. Finding herself a single parent with a house full of girls to raise, she took on multiple jobs to meet their needs. Her idea of recreation was to pick and preserve fruits and vegetables and then create from them enormous holiday meals for her family. Planning Christmas decorations and finding just the right gifts for all her progeny kept her busy throughout the year. Another expression of her deep concern for others was her regular delivery of countless crocheted hats to patients of the Novant Cancer Center.
Ethel is survived by her daughters Brenda James of Winston-Salem, Susan (Tim) Webster of Clemmons, Betty Bruce and Bonnie Wolf of Rocky Mount as well as eight grandchildren, Shelly Robinson, Doug (Tracy) Wolf, Zeke (Blair) Webster, Lane (Maureen) Webster, Jeffrey Bruce, Jennifer (Cameron) Shearin, Nikki (Elijah) Doub and Owen Webster, plus 13 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews.
A Graveside Service to celebrate Ethel’s life will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at 2:30 PM at Pineview Cemetery with Rev. Mark Pridgen officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ethel’s memory to Northside Community Church, 1660 Beaver Pond Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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I remember going to spend the night with Betty and Bonnie and us making a dump cake. Mrs. Blackburn helped us and was amazed I had never had one. It was the best thing. Mrs. Blackburn was always kind and loving whenever I went over. Betty and Bonnie my prayers are with you.
Lisa Dozier Coleman
Brenda & family, so sorry to hear about your Recent loss! She was a very special Lady & will truly be missed. I have many treasured memories of her & your family with my family members in times past! Our families shared many moments together in various places like school, church, work, family & other gatherings.
You all are in our hearts & prayers. Our Mom Emma Gray passed in May, 2023
So We understand your grief & loss & they were both close friends! Lifting you all in love & prayer, Burnae Luper Pridgen