Mr. Emmitt Lee Blackwell

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need ... My name is EMMITT LEE BLACKWELL. I was born January 29, 1923 in Mayersville, Mississippi. Shortly thereafter, my parents Norman and Virginia Blackwell moved to Lake Providence, Louisiana where they raised me and four other siblings. I was raised with a strong faith in the Baptist tradition. Through the good times and the bad, "I know God has truly blessed me." He let me rest in the meadow green and led me beside the quiet streams. He gave me new strength. He helped me do what honored him the most ... I received my formal education in the Lake Providence, Louisiana Public School System, where I developed my adventurous spirit. On April 7, 1941, at age 17, I enlisted with the Civilian Conservation Corps, where I received specialized training in carpentry, brick masonry and electrical wiring. Even when walking through the dark valley of death I am not afraid, for He is close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way ... On my journey through life, after serving four years in the United States Army Air Corps, I moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1947. I worked in the building trades in downtown Milwaukee, helping to construct such icons as the First Wisconsin Center, Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company, Marine Bank, both Blue Cross & Blue Shield buildings, and The Grand Avenue Mall. After more than 50 years of building in downtown Milwaukee, I retired on August 31, 1985. He provided delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. He has welcomed me as His guest; blessings overflow ... Among the blessings in my life are the holidays and family time spent with my wife, Kaylynn; my sisters, Leola Blackwell and Cothena Brown; my children, Deloris Blackwell, Sonya Adams, Jennifer Adams, Brian Adams and Pam Groce; Step children, Kaneetha Murray and Kevin France; seventeen grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; one special great grandchild, Kai Noelle; my nieces, nephews, other dear relatives and friends. All have added joy to my life. I love you dearly. His goodness and unfailing kindness were with me all the days of my life ... through God's goodness I was able to share a full life doing my favorite things, like barbequing, playing cards, listening to music, or fixing things around the house (Nothing was ever too far gone that it couldn't be saved). And now I live with Himforever in His home. My dear family and friends, I am with Mom, Dad, Ledora, Norman, Earnest, Earl and Mason now. I know my presence among each of you will be missed, but I will see you again.

Mr. Emmitt Lee Blackwell

January 29, 1923 - March 14, 2016