Margaret Ann "Maggie" Blackwell

Margaret Ann “Maggie” Blackwell, 54, passed away on May 7 in Asheboro, North Carolina.

Born on January 17, 1971, in Princeton, West Virginia, Margaret was the daughter of Nancy Alley. She was known for her strength, honesty, and deep love for her family. She proudly described herself as “forward, blunt and 100% real,” and those who knew her would agree. Though her given name was Margaret, she preferred to be called Maggie by friends, and she had a lifelong love of elephants.

Margaret grew up in West Virginia and spent most of her life between Virginia and North Carolina. As a child, she worked in the tobacco fields and lived on a farm, experiences that shaped her resilience and independence. She had four brothers and three sisters, and shared a particularly close bond with her sister Tina and her brother Richard. Her youth was fiery, outgoing, and full of strength.

In 1990, Margaret became a mother for the first time with the birth of her daughter, Amber Hlili. They quickly formed a powerful bond; Amber wasn’t just her daughter but her best friend and fiercest ally. In 1991, she gave birth to her first son, Justin Dodson. Throughout his life, Margaret was Justin’s steady source of love and strength. In 1994, she welcomed her youngest son, Brandon Alley. She was endlessly proud of Brandon, especially as he pursued his dreams as a professional dancer. Margaret’s love for her children was immeasurable, they were her world.

In 2009, Margaret’s life changed forever when she became “Mimi” to her first grandchild, HevenLei. She often said that becoming a grandmother saved her life. In 2016, she welcomed her second grandchild, Sarah Hlili, and her heart grew even fuller.

In 2019, Margaret met David Blackwell. Their connection was instant and deep, and after three years of love and partnership, they married in 2022 in Asheboro. Margaret and David were soulmates, and together they built a family rooted in love, forgiveness, and unbreakable bonds.

Margaret is survived by:

– Her husband, David Blackwell

– Her children: Amber Hlili and husband Jamal Hlili, Justin Dodson, and Brandon Alley and wife Racheal Prince

– Her beloved grandchildren: HevenLei Spencer and Sarah Hlili

– Her siblings: Tina Oliver, Richard Clowers, Rebecca Jenkins, Jeff Clowers, and Anthony Clowers

She was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy Alley, and her brother, Mike Clowers.

A celebration of Maggie’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 14, at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203. Viewing will take place from 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM, with the service beginning at 2:00 PM. All who knew and loved Maggie are welcome to attend and share memories.

Flowers and condolences may be sent to Pugh Funeral Home. After May 14, support and messages for the family can be directed to: 1010 Cornell St., Asheboro, NC 27203.