Mary Ruth Blackwell: Tabor City

1944 – 2025

     Mary Ruth Blackwell of Tabor City died Monday, Aug. 25, in her home. She was 80.

     Born Sept. 5, 1944 in Columbus County, she was the daughter of the late Oscar Townsend and Mary Pope Townsend.

     She is survived by two sons, James Blackwell, Jr. (Samantha) and Buddy Williams of Tabor City; two daughters, Mary Lisa Rabon (John Kelly) and Tammie Williams Manning (Kenneth) of Tabor City; one brother, David Townsend of Florence; two sisters, Shirley Harrelson Chance of Leland and Judy Pierce of Charlotte; nine grandchildren, Nicole Soles, Santanna Lane, Dakota Manning, Avery Norris, Alexis Blackwell, Kristen Williams, Lindsey Lloyd, Kobie Williams and Dusty Blackwell; twenty one great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.

     In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, John Blackwell; a brother, Jimmy Townsend; and three sisters, Dorothy Townsend, Pauline Edgers and Jessie Dabson.

     Visitation was planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, in Inman Ward Funeral Home.

     Funeral services were planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, in the Inman Ward Funeral Home Chapel, burial following in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

     Sign a guest register here.