Saranel Herrod Cox Blackburn

Saranel Herrod Cox Blackburn, age 96, of Prattville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025. Saranel was born on May 3rd, 1929, to the late Claud and Arrie Eta Herrod. She married her high school sweetheart, James Paul Cox, and together they raised two children. Saranel was preceded in death by her first husband James Paul Cox, and her second husband Burney Hobart Blackburn; and her brothers and sisters Mildred Atchison, Elsie Golson, William Cary Herrod, M.E. Jones Stevens, Woodard Luker Myers, Kathryn Letson, Grace Faulkner, Claudie Sue Wyatt, Donald Herrod, Imogene Fincannon, and C.H. Herrod. She is survived by her two children, James Kerry (Wynette) Cox and Deborah (Mike) Tucker; her grandchildren, Lisa (Tom) Tucker, David (Melissa) Cox, Wendy (Kevin) Dobbs, and Amy (Brett) Barker; great-grandchildren, Jackson Tucker, Hannah Cox, Emma Cox, Owen Tucker, Tucker Barker, Henry Barker, JoLee Dobbs, Will Dobbs and Sara Nell Dobbs. From her second marriage, she is survived by her two children Rodney (Helen) Blackburn and Marie (Ray) Smith; her grandchildren, Bart Blackburn, Leslie Ann Botter, Maddison White and Tyler Smith. She is also survived by her life long friend and loving sister-in-law Nadine Herrod. Saranel dedicated many years to teaching Kindergarten at Kiddie College, where she touched countless young lives. A devoted member of First Baptist Church Prattville, she faithfully served there until her marriage to Burney Blackburn, after which she joined him in worship at First Methodist Church. Following his passing, she returned to her cherished First Baptist Church. No matter where she was, Saranel lived out her faith by serving the Lord wholeheartedly. If someone came to her in need of help, she would kindly offer them a small task around the yard-and then feed them generously. Friends who stopped by for a visit never left hungry, always welcomed by her warmth and hospitality. A celebration of Saranel's life will be held on Tuesday, July 15th at Prattville Memorial Gardens. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the service following at 11:00 a.m.