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.