Orelia "Cookie" Fontenot Blackwell

Orelia “Cookie” Mary Fontenot Blackwell, of Sweetwater, Louisiana, peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the age of 85.  She was born on Saturday, January 28, 1939, in Whitehall, Louisiana, to the late Octema Fontenot and Dallas LeBourgeois Fontenot.  Orelia was better known as “Cookie” by her family and friends.  She was fiercely independent and enjoyed time to herself.  Orelia had a passion for the outdoors, especially gardening.  Orelia loved to dance when she was younger, she considered herself a vivacious dancer in her youth but is now dancing in heaven atop the clouds.

Orelia is survived by her partner, Tommy Downey; children, Johnnie Blackwell, Johnny Blackwell, and Jimmie Blackwell; grandchildren, Bridget Blackwell, Heather Labure, Christopher Blackwell, and Megan Collette; great-grandchildren, Harlie and Weston Collette and Avery Holter; sister, Margie LeBlanc; and a great-grand puppy, Kitahra Belle. 

In addition to her parents, Orelia was preceded in death by her husband, Shelby Blackwell; son, Lionel Blackwell; and her siblings, Florence Fontenot, Barlow Fontenot, Eugene Fontenot, Wilson Fontenot, Rita Anderson, Dorella Helg, Joyce Massie, and Lois Lessard. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home - 2000 N. Morrison Blvd., Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, from 9:00 am until the funeral service begins at 10:00 am.

Interment will follow at Loranger Community Cemetery in Loranger, Louisiana.