Mae Blackwell

In Loving Memory of Mae C. Blackwell
Mae C. Blackwell, in her early eighties, recently passed in February 2026.
She lived with deep love for her family, steady devotion to her work, and a quiet strength that carried her through joy and loss.

From picking cotton in rural north Alabama to becoming a landlord for decades, Mae held a real estate license and acquired homes — and even a few billboards along the way — every way possible, including at auction and from banks. Good tenants became friends; others brought fires, floods, and the occasional hole in a wall. She extended grace when she could, evicted reluctantly, and kept investing.

Mae started as a key punch operator and retired from CDC, where her daughter Mitzi also worked as a statistical programmer — a family arc spanning punch cards to code.

Mae was a Friend of Bill for decades and sponsored others, leaning in, meeting your eyes, and taking commitments seriously.

A breast cancer survivor long before pink was everywhere, she found and offered support through Bosom Buddies.

She enjoyed her Bunco Buddies, was a regular at Butter Bean Bingo, and made the occasional trip to Beau Rivage in Biloxi to wrestle the one-armed bandits over a quarter or a dime — always ready for good company and competition.

Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured and the many lives she touched.

She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Robert Earl Blackwell, and her daughter, Mitzi Mays. She is survived by her son, Bob Blackwell (Ruth Ann); her daughter, Lisa Jackson (Jay); and her grandchildren, Robert and Katie Blackwell, Jordan and Jessica Jackson, and Mallory Sunstrom (Aaron). Mallory is the daughter of Mitzi Mays (Richard).

Service Arrangements:
A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Stockbridge Presbyterian Church, 4740 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge, GA 30281. Visitation begins at 1:00 p.m. in the meeting room, followed by the service at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Kristy Ray will officiate. In lieu of flowers, consider supporting a church or charity of your choosing — or simply reach out to a friend.