WILMINGTON — Anne Mitchell Blackley, 88, passed away peacefully Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, at her home.
Anne was born Dec. 30, 1931, in Lumberton. Her parents were Franklin Mitchell and Katherine Pleasants Mitchell. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, William Paschal “Bill” Blackley.
Anne grew up in Fairmont and was a graduate of East Carolina College with a degree in art education. She served as an art teacher at Sunset Park Junior High and New Hanover High School before starting a family. Anne was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother and Christian friend to many.
A significant part of Anne’s life was spent in service to those around her and in her church. She spent time teaching Sunday school at Pine Valley Baptist Church, where some of her many lifelong friends were made. Later, she was a faithful member of Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church and served in the Women’s Ministry, on the Bereavement Committee and as a Sunday school teacher for many years. She endlessly worked to serve others, as her heart was always full of love for those around her.
She was a longtime member and president of the Eastern North Carolina Women’s Aglow organization and was instrumental in numerous women’s conferences regionally, nationally and internationally.
Her love for the beach was a large part of her existence, from when she was a small child until the last few weeks of her life. As an artist, many of her works were related to the beach, and, in many cases, focused on the vacation time she spent there with family, especially her grandchildren.
Anne is survived by her sons, Frank Blackley, and his wife, Kathy, of Wilmington, and Scott Blackley, and his wife, Christi, of Austin, Texas. One of the joys of her life were her five grandchildren, Eliza, Aaron, Eleni, Lindsey and Amanda. She is also survived by a beloved brother, Barney Mitchell of LaFayette, Louisiana; along with other extended family members.
A private celebration of life ceremony will be held at noon, Monday, Nov. 2, at Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church. Services will be officiated by the Rev. Dan Sonnenberg. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Park and is open to anyone who would like to attend. Visitation for family and friends will be held after both services.
Memorial donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
Share online condolences with the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.
