Joanne Prince Blackwell

June 21, 1932 - August 15, 2022

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Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown

639 North Main Steet

Greenville, SC 29601

Friday 8/19, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown Chapel

639 N Main Street

Greenville, SC 29601

(864) 232-6733 |

Friday 8/19, 4:00 pm

Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Live Stream by clicking on the “Watch Livestream” button.

Betty Joanne Prince Blackwell, 90, of Greenville, passed away peacefully at home on August 15 surrounded by her loving family.

Joanne was born in Greenville on June 21, 1932 to the late Lula Zell Prince and Lonnie Delos Prince. She grew up in City View, where she worked in their cafe, and graduated from Parker High School in 1950. In 1949 Joanne married Thomas Lee “Tom” Blackwell, who passed away in 2010. He was a co-owner of the Greenville Pickens Speedway and the Upper South Carolina State Fair, and the owner of Blackwell Music Company. After working at Maxwell Brothers Furniture as a bookkeeper until 1957, Joanne worked with Tom in these businesses over many decades.

Joanne most enjoyed caring for her family, and showering love on Tom and their sons Keith and Mark. She was incredibly kind, patient, hard-working, wise, and witty. Joanne committed great effort guiding Keith and Mark in learning before and while they attended school, and always encouraged them to find their own paths in what they wanted to become. For her, family came first, with love of her dogs a close second. Joanne also loved cooking and was unparalleled at making biscuits. For over 60 years she was a member of Overbrook Baptist Church, where she was especially devoted to her Sunday School class. Joanne and Tom enjoyed frequent dinners with their group of friends (“the gang”) and in her later years Joanne delighted in her regular lunch outings with her sister-in-law Lenore Blackwell. She was a uniquely wonderful person and will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

She is survived by her son Mark Blackwell of Los Angeles, California, a writer and editor; her son Dr. Keith Blackwell of Boston, Massachusetts, a biomedical research scientist; and his wife Dr. Sandra Burchett and stepchildren Kim Burchett of Brooklyn, New York and Ellen Pope of Eymet, France.

Joanne was predeceased by her older brother Romey Cecil Prince.

A funeral service will be held Friday, August 19, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. in the Downtown Chapel of Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, with visitation following until 6:30 p.m. A private graveside service will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Live Stream by clicking on the “Watch Livestream” button located on the main obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in her honor to Overbrook Baptist Church or the ASPCA.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes

Jill Glist

Michael Cuffe

Rick Smith

Inguid A Reynolds

Ellen & Chris

Marianne Campbell

Sandy and Bill Mitchell

Susan Morrow

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Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown

639 North Main Steet

Greenville, SC 29601

Map

Friday 8/19, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown Chapel

639 N Main Street

Greenville, SC 29601

(864) 232-6733 | Map

Friday 8/19, 4:00 pm

Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Live Stream by clicking on the “Watch Livestream” button.

Betty Joanne Prince Blackwell, 90, of Greenville, passed away peacefully at home on August 15 surrounded by her loving family. Joanne was born in Greenville on June 21, 1932 to the late Lula Zell Prince and Lonnie Delos Prince. She grew up in City View, where she worked in their cafe, and graduated from ParkerContinue Reading

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Dear Mark and Keith -- I remember meeting Tom and Joanne for the first time on one of their trips to Los Angeles. Mark and I were working together and we had dinner with them, and I believe it was at Hal's in Venice, a restaurant that was something of a landmark on Abbot Kinney. How lovely they were! I understood immediately where Mark got his intelligence and great sense of humor. Your dad was a real firecracker and led an animated discussion, and Joanne was a lovely, smiling presence who kept asking me questions about my work and my family and bringing it all back down to earth. Every once in a while, I got a chance to say Hi to your mom on the phone or to hear one of her stories, and I would say you two won the lottery on motherly and family love. You are great humans because of who she was and is. What a giant! She will be missed.

Mrs Blackwell, I know you're still with us. I can feel it and I'm good at this stuff. Please take care of Mark who is so strong but also so tender. You've been a beacon of love for us all.

In memory of Joanne Prince Blackwell, Michael Cuffe lit a candle

Mark & Keith, We loved Joanne. She had a smile for everyone. She loved you and your friends. We are grateful to be among those friends. We love YOU!

Sweet Thought Bouquet was purchased for the family of Joanne Blackwell by Tim, Kristi & Audrey Wooten and Mike Wooten. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Joanne Blackwell

In memory of Joanne Prince Blackwell, Rick Smith lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My condolences to the family. I had appreciate everything single moment while spending time with Ms Joanne. She had taught me a lot. A for this I want to say thank you and I know you are at a better place.

We're sorry we can't be there together in person to comfort you with a hug, Keith, Mark, Sandy, Lynn and others present this afternoon, and to share fond memories and remember Joanne together. Even so, we are with you in our hearts, just as Joanne is in all of our hearts and memories forever. Each day we find a smile or a thought for others, her love and kindness will also have a voice, and so she lives on through us, and in all of us. We will miss you Joanne, but we are so glad that you can be with Tom again in peace. We all are blessed to have known you and shared in your light and your life, and for this we are forever grateful. In love and comfort always, Ellen and Chris

Keith and Mark, we are unable to attend the service for your Mother because we are out of town. We both admired Joann as she was a graceful, thoughtful and kind lady. We are sure you will miss her terribly but also sure you have some wonderful memories. We will keep you in our prayers as you go forward.

In memory of Joanne Prince Blackwell, Ellen & Chris lit a candle

I am so sad that the world lost the epitome of a perfect earthly person in my eyes. She was always concerned and taking care of people. She was so much like Ma. I have nothing but comforting memories. Mark and Keith you had the best with so much love. My heart hurts for you. I love you cousins. ?

With my whole heart, I'm sure she's dancing in heaven with her love. May peace and comfort be in all things. She has been made new again.

Keith and Mark, We will miss my Aunt Joanne, who helped to raise me. She was kind, gentle, intelligent, resourceful and always had that smile. She was loved by so many. May all the wonderful memories of your mother help you through this difficult time of losing her. You have been amazing sons.

I met Mrs. Joanne in her later years and was lucky enough to spend time with her and get to know her. She was incredibly kind, hospitable and very cool. My deepest condolences go to Keith and Mark. She was so proud when sho spoke about her sons and you both loved her so well. I am very sorry for your loss and am thankful to have gotten to know her. May we all be as cool as her.

Mark, we are so sorry for the loss of your mom. I best remember your mom back in our elementary/middle school days when you had that huge St Bernard, and when we used to run around as kids, and playing on that pinball machine in your room. Your mom brought us in some baked cookies. I remember her as being soft spoken and kind. I know she will be extremely missed. I’ve seen many of the great times you’ve had with her and your family recently and you’re lucky to have had those special times. She’s well and in peace with your dad now and hopefully you will find comfort there. Always know you’re in our thoughts and prayers. Love ya man. Jeff Pye and Family

Mark and Keith, It’s comforting to know Joanne is with Jesus, but what a void there is in your hearts and. many hearts that will miss her! Ps 116.15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” Trusting this family time together will be special in many ways. I know you will miss hearing those words each evening “I love you” but she truly did. God bless you all. Debbie E.

Remember the good times! Sending love & light!

Mark and family, our sincere condolences on the loss of your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. The Pye family

Gently Into The Ever-After Standing Spray was purchased for the family of Joanne Blackwell by Anonymous. Send Flowers

Sorry for your loss I had the pleasure of sitting with ms Joann a few times she was a delightful lady and will dearly be missed by all I’m praying for all family friends and anyone that she had in her life

Mark, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. She had a Wonderfully happy, long life. My prayers are with you, Sir! May God Bless you and your loved ones! Mike Laney

The most fondest memory I have of you miss Joanne ,is your strawberries ,you really like them !!!!! And when we all went to the peddler for your 90th birthday and the joy expression on your face was simply beautiful .I want to thank you for giving me the honor to take care of you as long as I did .You were an amazing lady and you were not only my patient but you were my friend. I’m gonna miss you Miss Joanne ,I’m gonna miss everything about you. may you rest in peace and we will see you again one day I love you Miss Joanne Love Jan and family

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Thoughts and prayers to the family. I only met Joanne once and that one visit was enough for me to know that she was an extraordinary lady. She trusted me with one of her most precious possessions, little Alex. I can't even imagine how hard it was for Joanne to give Alex up, but she did with her heart wide open. I love Alex! He is the best little dog and I would share pictures of him with Joanne on a weekly basis. My wish would have been that I could have spent more time with Joanne and really get to know her. During the one visit with Joanne, she hugged me and I felt as if I had known her forever. What a beautiful soul. God has another angel and Alex has another Angel watching over him. I love you Ms. Joanne. May your light continue to shine. You will be missed.
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