Ozella Gertrude Pegram Blackwell, 98, of Statesville, N.C., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2019, with her nephew by her side.

Ozella was born in Catawba County on August 2, 1921, and was the daughter of the late Robert Henry Pegram and Saymana Conner Pegram.

Ozella was a graduate of Morningside School and following her graduation, she married Joseph B. Blackwell, who preceded her in death. She was a homemaker and stayed home to raise her daughter, Barbara Joe Blackwell, who also preceded her in death. She was a member of St. John Baptist Church where she sang in the choir.

In addition to her husband and daughter, she was also preceded in death by one brother and six sisters.

Left to cherish her memory are three nephews, Charles Knox of the home, and Keith Knox and Nathan Knox, both of Charlotte. She is also survived by her K-9 companion “Diamond.”

A service to celebrate the life of Ozella Blackwell will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2019, in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel and burial will follow in Belmont Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Wednesday evening, January 1, at Nicholson Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Gordon Hospice House, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Ozella Blackwell.