Gladys Parker Blackwell

Gladys Christine Blackwell, 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at Hock Family Pavilion in Durham. She was born in Mecklenburg County, Virginia to the late David Jackson Parker and Nannie Bet Vaughan Parker. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Blackwell was also predeceased by her husband, Lawrence Daniel Blackwell; brother, David Weldon Parker (Lou); and sisters, Annie Lena Jones, Edna Nell Shearin, and Martha Ann Wiles.

Gladys was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She found joy in the little things in life. She delighted in playing "Setback" with family, solving word search puzzles, cheering on her favorite basketball teams or making homemade biscuits. She loved outdoors and spent many of her afternoons swinging in her swing watching everyone go down the dirt road. Her greatest enjoyment of all was spending time with all her family. "The more the merrier" as she would say.

She was a member of Calvary Freewill Baptist Church and looked forward to those Wednesday visitations from her Pastor Mr. Mike Benson and wife Mrs. Brenda Benson.

Mrs. Blackwell is survived by her daughter, Brenda Watson (Barry); sons, James Blackwell (Cathy), Alvin Blackwell (Vicki); brother, Rufus Parker (Rebecca); grandchildren, Cheri Blackwell, Dana Welborn (Jeff), Kristy Gresham (Weldon), Diane Blackwell, Crystal Roberts (Kevin); great-grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, Chloe, Dalton; and multiple nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, July 28th at Calvary Freewill Baptist Church. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 to 1:45 pm at the church. Burial will follow the services in Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations may be made to Calvary Freewill Baptist Church: 800 W. Club Blvd., Durham, NC 27701.

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be made at www.clementsfunrealservice.com.