Stephen Elisha Blackmon, Sr.

Washington - Stephen Elisha Blackmon, 97, died peacefully with family at his side at Southern Manor Senior Living on July 3, 2023. He was born in Washington on November 19, 1925, and lived in Washington his entire life.

He was the son of the Late Norma Alice Martin Blackmon and James Hines Blackmon, Sr. His wife of 75 years, Eleanor Boyd Blackmon predeceased him. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brothers, James Hines, Jr and Dilmus Martin Blackmon, and son-in-law Thomas Holland.

Steve received degrees from Duke University and the University of Georgia. Over his long life, he was active in his church and the community, serving on many boards, including the Downtown Development Authority, the Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club, North Alexander School Association, Washington Historical Society and many other. He held leadership positions in both Washington First United Methodist and the Episcopal Church of the Mediator. He was co-owner of Blackmons' Department Store and Blackmon Farm with his brother James H. Blackmon, Jr.

He was proud of his membership on the Bi-Racial Committee during school integration in the early 1970s. This informal group of African-American and white leaders spent many hours hammering out differences. As a result of their efforts, Wilkes County Schools avoided much of the turmoil and violence that marked those years in the South.

He and Eleanor were charter members of the Athens Choral Society and the Athens Master Chorale where they performed for 30 years.

Steve is survived by his sister, Norma Alice Wallace and brother E. Harris Blackmon (Glenda) of Washington; daughter Eleanor Elmira "Myra" Blackmon of Washington, Stephen Elisha Blackmon, Jr. (Evelyn) of Nashville, Phillip Boyd Blackmon (Carol) of Columbus, GA and Jeffrey Earl Blackmon (Nancy) of Littleton, CO. He leaves 8 grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the residence July 22 from 10 am to 12 noon on July 22, with funeral services the Episcopal Church of the Mediator at 2 p.m. The family will hold a private burial service later.

Memorial contributions to The Church of the Mediator Endowment, P.O. Box 716, Washington, GA 30673 or Wills Memorial Hospital Foundation, 120 Gordon St, Washington, GA 30673.