Obituary of Madeline Clark Blackwood

Madeline Clark Blackwood CHAPEL HILL — Madeline Clark Blackwood, native of Chapel Hill, N.C., passed away on Monday afternoon, September 15 after an extended illness. Madeline was born in Chapel Hill on May 2, 1923, to the late Walter E Clark and Helena M Clark. Madeline was one of twelve children. She was also predeceased by her husband, Robert Lee Blackwood. Madeline never met a stranger and she was very outgoing. She loved to laugh and loved all babies, especially her grandchildren. She had a green thumb and loved African violets. She could grow anything. She enjoyed music, playing the piano and the guitar at a very young age, she was always teaching a song to her children and grandchildren. She was crafty; each time a new grandchild was on the horizon, she would crochet a baby blanket. She was a wonderful mother, wife and grandmother and was always there for whoever needed her. Surviving are two brothers, Borden Clark and Wilbert Clark; one sister, Jane Scott. She and Robert had three children; Barbara Picornell (husband Miguel )of Chapel Hill, Diane Durham (husband Al) of Chapel Hill and Earl Blackwood of St. Petersburg, Florida. Also surviving are her nine grandchildren, Jeannette Avitan, Alexandra Picornell, Kristina Cabrejas (husband Alex), Michael Picornell ,all of Chapel Hill; Lori Durham Stiegemeier (husband Tyler) of Columbus, Ohio, Christopher Durham, Ashley Durham, both of Chapel Hill, Anna Ferrone of Apex and Andrew Blackwood of St. Petersburg, Florida. In addition, Madeline had eight great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 19 at 4 p.m. at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery on Legion Road in Chapel Hill. The family is being assisted by Walkers Funeral Home in Chapel Hill, N.C. The family would like to thank all the caregivers that provided loving care to our mother over the past couple of years. Online condolences can be made at www.walkersfuneralservice.com.