Ella Hutchinson Blackwell

A lifelong resident of Holden, Ella Hutchinson Blackwell, 94, passed away on April 22, 2024.

She was born on December 21, 1929, in Holden. Mrs. Blackwell was a founding member of the First United Pentecostal Church of Holden, Louisiana since 1947. She served as the church treasurer for 50 years and spent her life working to establish a church that meets the needs of the community.  She worked as a bookkeeper and office manager for many years.  Her ability to manage finances and calculate rates of interest and returns was not matched by modern methods of digital bookkeeping. She balanced “to the penny” each account and statement under her care. Her books are closed, and she has gained her eternal reward.

 She is survived by her five children, Dr. David L. Blackwell (Joan), Delos M. Blackwell (Trudy), Dr. Dewey Blackwell (Cathy), Elda Verran Blackwell Thibeau (Brannon), and Velda Blackwell Goynes. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, Tonya Blackwell Penalber, Ricky Blackwell, Jennifer Blackwell Rogers, Rodney Blackwell, Byron Blackwell, Michael Blackwell, Matthew Blackwell, Lawanda Ann Thibeau Sykes, Annette Goynes and David Goynes; 15 great grandchildren; and brother Lloyd “Sonny” Hutchinson.

Preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, David M. Blackwell; parents, Ezekiel and Ida Courtney Hutchinson; brother, Herman Hutchinson; sisters Etta H. Albin and Edna H Schultz; and son-in-law, Tommy Goynes. 

Pallbearers are Rick, Rodney, Byron, Michael, Matthew Blackwell, David Goynes, Joel Penalber and Billy Terrell. Honorary Pallbearers are Brannon Thibeau, Eric Penalber, Shannon Sykes and Robert Dufrene.  Visitation will be held at the First United Pentecostal Church of Holden, Friday, April 26, 2024, from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm and will resume at the church on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.  Funeral services will begin at 12:00, noon with Dr. David L. Blackwell officiating.

The family wishes to express special thanks for those that gave Mrs. Ella the utmost care which made it possible for her to remain in her home until her death.  Special gratitude is extended to Mrs. Dee Bennett and Ms. Dianne  Murray for their friendship, visits and continual food and gifts, these made her days so special.

Also special thanks to Modern Home Health, 15781 Professional Plaza, Hammond, LA 70403, for the respect and care given to the Blackwell family during this time of grief.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Pentecostal Church of Holden, P.O. Box 11, Holden, LA 70744.