Obituaries » Wilma Geneva Sylvester Blackburn
The family is planning a Celebration of Wilma’s life to take place at Grandin Court Baptist Church on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. A private graveside service will follow.
Wilma Geneva Sylvester Blackburn
Wilma Geneva Sylvester Blackburn, age 82, of Lynchburg, peacefully passed away at her home in the early morning hours on Sunday, July 3, 2022. Her husband, William “Don” Blackburn, was holding her hand as he lay by her side as she was welcomed into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father. Wilma Geneva Sylvester was born December 9, 1939, and raised in Tellico Plains, TN. She met Don in October of 1960 and was married December 17, 1960. The Blackburns established homes in Alexandria, LA, Montgomery, AL, and Roanoke, VA, prior to moving to Lynchburg, VA, in March of 2022. Wilma graduated from National Business College in Knoxville, TN, prior to being employed with the Tellico Plains telephone company. Her life was devoted to serving her family, church, community, and others, often by cooking homemade buttermilk biscuits and gravy. She taught Sunday School in multiple churches for over 55 years and also served on just about every possible church committee. She spread God’s love through her active membership with Grandin Court in Roanoke, VA, for over 45 years. Wilma enjoyed supporting the Tennessee Volunteers and Dallas Cowboys as well as attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ernest B. and Edith Sylvester, brother Jerry B. Sylvester, and parents-in-law Dwight and May Cleo (Haynes) Blackburn.
Wilma is survived by her husband William “Don” Blackburn; 2 daughters and their spouses, Linda B. and Hugh F. Dalton; Diana B. and Edward F. Parker; 4 grandchildren, Hugh “Trey” F. Dalton, III, Keli M. Dalton, Breana P. Rojas and husband Joshua, and Eric S. Parker and wife Allison; and 3 great-grandchildren, Charlotte A. Rojas, Brynlee N. Rojas, and Analiese C. Rojas.
The family would like to say a word of special thanks to Ms. Anna Day, caregiver with Acti-Kare, and the team at Gentle Shepherd Hospice. Those wishing to honor Wilma’s life can make a donation in her name to the Roanoke Rescue Mission or Gentle Shepherd Hospice.
The family is planning a Celebration of Wilma’s life to take place at Grandin Court Baptist Church on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. A private graveside service will follow.
Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg is assisting the family.
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Dear Don, Linda & Hugh, Diana & Edward and all your families. We were deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Wilma. We remember Wilma, Don and family from our time at Grandin Court in Roanoke. We have been in West Palm Beach FL after we both retired from our jobs in Roanoke. Don you and all your families are in our prayers.
Posted by Henry & Rosetta Howard on July 16, 2022
We are sending our deep condolences and prayers of comfort to Mr. Don Blackburn, the Dalton, and Parker families! Unfortunately, we did not meet Mrs. W. Blackburn, however, it’s clear to us that she touched hearts of many people. She will always be loved and remembered. With great respect, Zavelsky Family
Posted by Zavelsky family on July 7, 2022
Wilma will be missed 😢 was in her Sunday School class for many years. She was loved by all. The Lord chose one of the best. With deepest sympathy for all. She
Posted by Joann on July 5, 2022
Prayers of comfort for the family during this time their hearts are heavy with the loss of their love one. Be assured she was Heaven bound
Posted by Jim Dalton on July 5, 2022
The Blackburn family will always have a special place in my heart. We became friends from our association at Grandin Court Baptist Church. Wilma and Don "adopted" my children as if they were their very own grandchildren. They babysat often. Wilma was a natural at being a grandparent. I would love to have seen her with her own. I never saw her without a smile on her face. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Posted by Anonymous on July 5, 2022
Don, Linda, and Dianna and family My heartfelt condolences to all of you. Wilma was 1 of a kind and I also enjoyed her biscuits and gravy. She was a friend and mentor to me and always so supportive of my education and youth ministry at the church. She and Don helped me with just about every event or trip l had. She will be missed. Please know that I am praying for you. "Well done good and faithful servant ". She's in the presence of her Lord and Savior.
Posted by Margaret Tyree Harding on July 5, 2022
To Don, Linda, Diana & family at the loss of someone so dear, my heartfelt sympathy at the passing of Wilma. Our friendship goes back to Alexandria years. Wilma has a piece of my heart as she woke up in heaven. She has seen the face of Jesus and is rejoicing in her forever home. Those of us left behind can only imagine. May Our Savior’s comfort & peace be all the family needs as you move forward. Don, praying for you as you learn to live life without precious Wilma. My Caring Love, Faye
Posted by Faye Herring on July 5, 2022
To Don, Linda, Diana & family at the loss of someone so dear, my heartfelt sympathy at the passing of Wilma. Our friendship goes back to Alexandria years. Wilma has a piece of my heart as she woke up in heaven. She has seen the face of Jesus and is rejoicing in her forever home. Those of us left behind can only imagine. May Our Savior’s comfort & peace be all the family needs as you move forward. Don, praying for you as you learn to live life without precious Wilma. My Caring Love, Faye
Posted by Faye Herring on July 5, 2022
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