Helen (Reddy) Blackwell, lifelong conservative activist and leader, passed away on September 8, 2019. Mrs. Blackwell was a tireless champion for her principles. She served as the Virginia State Chairman of Phyllis Schlafly's Eagle Forum for 25 years and, for many years, wrote a regular, national newsletter, "News and Notes" for Eagle Forum. She was also director of the Virginia Conservative Alliance and the Voting Integrity Project, of which she was the original chairman. A dedicated political activist, Mrs. Blackwell was elected chairman of the Arlington County, Virginia Republican Committee three times and was the Republican captain of the Lyon Village precinct in Arlington for 41 years. She served on the State Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia and was a Delegate from Virginia to a Republican National Convention. Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore appointed Mrs. Blackwell to the Board of Visitors for James Madison University; she served in that role from July 1999 to June 2004. Mrs. Blackwell was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She attended one year at Randolph-Macon Woman's College and received her B.A. in History of Art and M.B.A., both from Louisiana State University, where she was the co-founder and secretary of Students for Conservative Government. She spent a year of post-graduate studies in art at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana). She was a volunteer docent for many years at the National Gallery of Art. Since 1972, she resided with her family in Arlington, Virginia. She was an active member of Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church and the Eleanor Wilson Chapter of the D.A.R. Mrs. Blackwell was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by Morton, her husband of 47 years, her sons Charles Attaway and William Blackwell, her daughter-in-law Wendy, and two grandchildren, Isabel and Paxton Blackwell. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 13 from 5pm to 8pm at Advent Funeral & Cremation Services (7211 Lee Highway, adventfuneral.com) in Falls Church. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 11am at Columbia Baptist Church (103 West Columbia Street) in Falls Church. A graveside ceremony will follow immediately at Columbia Gardens Cemetery (3411 Arlington Boulevard, columbiagardenscemetery.org) in Arlington. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Leadership Institute or to Columbia Baptist Church.
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5 Entries
I got to know Helen by her being my parent's next door neighbor in Shreveport La It was she and her son Charles I knew the best in the late 60's. I did know Charles Attaway, but he remained a good friend later in life as well. I knew my mother's friendship with Helen was so much more than just a neighbor. They remained lifelong thoughtful and devoted friends. My mother loved and admired Helen as a close friend! Anyone who knew her always benefited from having a real relationship with a admirable, memorable and gracious women! For me...always one of the dearest, sincere people I have been lucky to have known in my life!
Mary-Elizabeth Malarcher
Friend
September 5, 2020
My deepest sympathies to the Blackwell family. Morton, you loved her deeply and together you made an excellent team. She was full of class and grace. Prayers with you Morton and your family!
Brian Rogers
September 16, 2019
Helen was a very dear long time friend. We were neighbors in Shreveport for years. Being able to keep in touch with her was very precious. Her family is also dear to me and I am heart broken for their loss of such a wonderful wife, mother and friend to so many.
My deepest sympathy to Morton, Charles Attaway and William Blackwell. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Beatrice Malarcher
September 15, 2019
Thanks to God for Helen, her companionship with Morton and all the causes she faithfully worked to support. Her passing is a new beginning as well as a time to celebrate her memory. I do not know Helen except through what Morton has described, but that's good enough for me. Blessings to you from a Leadership Institute sponsor.
William Mahlburg
Friend
September 14, 2019
Helen was long time, faithful member of the Joy Class at Columbia Baptist Church. She was a welcoming hostess for many of our events at her home in Arlington as well as at the family's special "Briar Patch." It was amazing how many activities she was actively involved in! We will miss Helen but will have many memories (and old photographs) of time spent with her as our classmate, teacher, and friend. Thank you to the Blackwell family for sharing this wonderful lady with us. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Barbara Lehman
September 12, 2019
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Advent Funeral Home - Falls Church7211 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22046
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Advent Funeral Home - Falls Church7211 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22046
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