Barbara Jean Blackmon

Barbara Jean Blackmon - August 7, 1932 (Richmond, Indiana) - December 12, 2023 (Chesapeake, Virginia). Barbara had an extraordinary sense of spirit, style and humor. Her Christian faith was anchored in a life-changing experience in April 1966 that stayed with her through the ups and downs of the rest of her life. It led her to touch the lives of many people, helping some through the rough patches and making many others feel better about their faith and themselves.

Born the oldest of four daughters, Barbara married Donald (Gene) Roberts in Marion, Indiana, in 1952. While raising her three children, she earned her undergraduate and master's degree from Marion College. She became a teacher and guidance counselor in middle school at Vicksburg, Michigan, and led the youth Sunday school program at the local Methodist church. After many years, Barbara and Gene divorced, and she eventually moved to Newport News, Virginia, where she married Leon “Brack” Blackmon. They were in love until the day he died in 1997. Barbara worked in real estate, was active in Grace UMC (choir, Steven ministry and other works) and served as a chaplain for the Newport News PD. She had many special memories of the times she spent with the “Merry Widows” and with her Mahjong, Greetings to You, and Bridge buddies. Barbara moved to Willow Creek Retirement home in 2019 and made many friends there, just as she did wherever life took her over the years.

She is survived by two sons (Mark Roberts and Mike Roberts), one daughter (Ann Tardy), one step daughter (Constance “Connie”) and three step sons (Philip, Randy, and Keith). She has thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren (so far). Her “baby” sister, Judy White, also survives Barbara.

A memorial service for family and friends is being planned for next spring.