Service Announcements

Ms. Mildred Lenora Pinckney Blackwell 91, of Charlotte, NC passed away July 31, 2025 at Novant Health Medical Center. Celebration of her life will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Greater Bethel AME Church 5232 The Plaza Charlotte, NC 28215. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and the Service will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in the Gethsemane Memorial Gardens 1504 Sugar Creek Rd. West Charlotte, NC 28262.

Mrs. Mildred Pinckney Blackwell

“Your light, like a yellow rose, will forever bloom in our hearts.

Though you’re gone, your love still shines, a beacon of joy in our lives.”

“The Beginning”

Mildred P. Blackwell was born November 21, 1933, in New York, New York to the late Julius and Lucille Pinckney. Growing up in New York (Harlem) with her sister, Gloria and late brother, Harry, she attended Julia Richmond High School. Upon high school graduation, she was employed as a Telephone Operator at AT&T in New York.

“A Time to Love and Marry”

Mildred P. Blackwell fell in love with Leroy Blackwell of Manning, South Carolina. She accepted his marriage proposal and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. To this union, three children were born, Cynthia, Dennis, and Gloria. Later in life, she attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and in 1985 a Master of Arts in Human Development and Learning. Mildred was a beloved first grade teacher at Idlewild Elementary (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools), retiring in 1998 after twenty-five years of service.

“A Time to Serve”

Mildred P. Blackwell confessed Christ at an early age, attending Bethel AME Church in New York. After marriage and relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina, Mildred and Leroy joined Greater Bethel AME Church in 1953. There she was a member of the Senior Choir, Women’s Missionary Society, Equippers Club, and the Lay organization. After retiring, she established Girl Scout Troops 1763, 1764, and 9 at Greater Bethel AME Church under the Hornets’ Nest Council. Under her guidance, the girls worked on projects to earn badges, learned the art of selling Girl Scout cookies, and travelled both domestically and internationally.

“The Final Chapter”

On July 31, 2025, Mildred departed this earthly home and joined the love of her life, the late Leroy Blackwell in heaven. Mildred’s immediate and extended family hold dear the innumerable acts of love, generosity, support and both serious and fun-filled moments that encompass her memory. Mildred yet lives in the infinite love and devotion of her three children, Cynthia Blackwell, Dennis Blackwell (Joan) and Gloria Garrick (Ron) and her sister, Gloria Johnson. The objects of her undivided love, affection, and attention: two grandsons, David Blackwell, Daniel Blackwell (Randi), and four granddaughters, Lauren Cathey, Sarah Blackwell, Jordan Garrick, Eriawna Southwood and great-granddaughter, Ava Barringer. A nephew, Brian McCray (Rebecca), extremely close friends, and church members. All who will miss her deeply.