Jennie Rebecca Brooks Blackwelder, 93, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 29, 2021. She was born June 13, 1928, in Union County, N.C., to the late Thomas Joshua Brooks and Lola Mae Wallace Brooks.
Though born in Union County, Rebecca began her school career in Mooresville. She was one of the first three majorettes at Mooresville (at that time, Central) High School. After high school she attended King’s Business College in Charlotte. As a young widow, she received an associates degree from Mitchell College in Statesville, then transferred to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She graduated magna cum Laude in 1970 while raising five children, taught elementary school in the Mooresville Graded School District, and retired after 24 years of service. Rebecca was a member of Adah Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, serving in various positions, including the office of District Deputy Grand Matron. As a member of Triplett United Methodist Church, Rebecca taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, played handbells, and was a member of the United Methodist Women.
There are not enough words to tell all she has done for her church, family, and community nor the amount of love she had for all three. Her children know she was the best mama in the whole wide world. Her family knows that God has most certainly said, “Well, well done good and faithful servant.” The most important thing she would want you to know is the love she had for her God and Savior. The following Bible verse sums up her belief: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
In addition to her parents, Rebecca was preceded in death by her husband, WD Blackwelder; her son, Tommy Blackwelder; sisters, Norma Brooks Funderburk and Ruth Brooks McCachren; niece, Myra McCachren Carrigan; and son-in-law, Seth Overcash.
Rebecca is survived by her children, Jenny Capps (Ron), Beth Howard (Arnie), Susan Overcash, and Dean Blackwelder; daughter-in-law, Renee Blackwelder; seven grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; sister Myra Brooks Gray (Dan); and loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family will receive friends at Cavin Cook Funeral Home Monday, August 2, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m. The family is asking those attending visitation to wear a mask. Rebecca’s celebration of life will be held at Triplett United Methodist Church on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at 2 p.m. with Reverend Dan Gray Jr. and Reverend Bill Roberts officiating. Masks are required for this service per CDC guidelines and the request of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. If you are not able to attend or are not able to wear a mask, you may watch the service on Facebook at the following link https://www.facebook.com/CavinCookFuneralHomeServices/
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Andy Thompson Scholarship Fund at Triplett United Methodist Church or the General Fund of Triplett UMC, 838 Mazeppa Road, Mooresville, NC 28115.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the family.