Daphne Marie Houchins Blackwell

Daphne Marie Houchins Blackwell, 99, of Martinsville, Va. passed away Sunday, June 9, 2024. She was born in Martinsville, March 23, 1925 to Dr. George L. Houchins and Azula Salmons Houchins.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Shelton Blackwell.

She is survived by her sons, George Reginald “Reggie” Blackwell (Julie), Gordon Stuart Blackwell (Fiancee’ Rossy Gibson) and David Malcolm Blackwell (Tina); grandchildren, Justin Blackwell (Holly), Summer Blackwell, Andrew Blackwell, Monica B. Walsh (Ryan), David Blackwell, Jr. Ashley B. Powell (David); Tiffany Gibson, Tommy Gibson, Makayla Blackwell, Shelby Helms, Hailey Helms, Saul Medina; great grandchildren, Annabelle Walsh, Gracelynn Walsh, Leah Medina, Edward Blackwell, Elizabeth Blackwell, Jason Maldonado, Sadie Powell, Zoey Powell, James Hunter and Chazz Hunter; and her sister-in-law, Shirley Bentley

Daphne graduated from Martinsville High School and Salem College with a Bachelor’s Degree of Music. She worked as a music teacher in Martinsville and Blacksburg public schools. She was an organist at First Baptist Church of Martinsville and Chatham Heights Baptist Church. She was an organist and transition care coordinator at McKee-Stone Funeral Home for over 50 years.

Daphne was very active in church where she served as Director of the Sunday School Department and was an Assistant Director of Sunday School. She taught Sunday School and was a member of the choir. She also served on various church committees.

She was a member of the General Joseph Martin Chapter of DAR, the Independent Telephone Pioneer Association (ITPA) Blue Ridge Chapter where she served as treasurer and she was the secretary of the Virginia Cavalier Chapter of ITPA. She was also a past member of the Piedmont Teachers Association and a past member of the Fort Trial Garden Club.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at McKee-Stone Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Martinsville and will be officiated by the Reverend Dr. Mike Hatfield. Interment will follow at Roselawn Burial Park Abbey.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the King’s Grant Fellowship Fund, 350 King’s Way Road, Martinsville, VA 24112.

McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family. To express condolences on line, please visit wwwcollinsmckeestonemartinsville.com