Henrietta Burgess Blackwell, the daughter of the late William Jasper “Coot” Burgess and the late Carrie B. Burgess was born December 9, 1933 in Gable, South Carolina. She was the widower of the late Willie Jasper Blackwell.
Henrietta received her formal education at Melina Parochial School in Gable, South Carolina, Alcolu Elementary School in Alcolu, South Carolina and Manning Training School in Manning South Carolina. She received certification in Food Service from the State of South Carolina.
Henrietta, was affectionately known as “Rat” to family and friends and “Hennie” to those who hold her dear in their hearts. She was very active in the communities in which she lived and served, and was called the Unofficial Babysitter. She had a heart of gold and love to give, especially to the children in the schools and in her neighborhoods.
She attended Melina Presbyterian Church in Gable, SC as a child. After the family moved to Alcolu, she became a member of Green Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Alcolu, SC. where she was baptized and faithfully served as a member of the Youth, Adult and Senior Choirs, the Usher Board, the Young Women Auxiliary and the Culinary Ministry. She enjoyed and participated in plays as a young adult and was a contestant in the Miss Senior Green Hill pageant. She was very dedicated to her church and loved her fellow church members where she had many children.
Henrietta’s work ethic began at an early age. She worked as a Domestic Caregiver for the late Dr. Joe and Mrs. Ruth King in Manning, South Carolina for many years and lovingly raised their children. Upon their deaths and with the help of her friend, the late Olivette Singleton she was employed with Clarendon School District Two where she worked in Food Service for more than 20 years before her retirement. It was her mission and desire to feed every child that came in her presence that did not have lunch money. She enjoyed life to the fullest and she touched many lives and those who knew her with tremendous generosity, kindness and wisdom.
She departed this earthly life on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at her home in Alcolu. She was preceded in death by her parents and four children: Carrie (JD) Brown, Jimmie Dale Blackwell, Charles Alexander Blackwell and Sharon Henriette Blackwell. One grandchild: Ern Hendray Blackwell.
Those left to cherish her memories are: Her Children: Willie Mae Manning of Manning, SC, Jacqueline Blackwell of Alcolu, SC, Delphine Chatman of Sumter, SC, Leroy (Carrie) Blackwell of Sumter, SC and James Eric (Sheryl) Blackwell of Sumter, SC: Goddaughter: Marilyn (Benny) Kelly of Manning, SC; Godsons: Jonathan (Cynthia) Burgess of Manning, SC and Manson Timothy (Betty) Singleton of Philadelphia, PA; Bonus children whom she raised: Betty (Billy) Coffey, Mary Taylor, Ann (GG) Cutter, Joseph “Bo” King, Jr. and Cathy (Mitchell) Garner, all of Manning, SC; Twenty-Two Grandchildren, one of whom was her caregiver, KaTasha Blackwell Smith; Twenty-Eight Great-Grandchildren and Four Great-Great Grandchildren: An Aunt; Ethel Bryd of Sumter, SC; Life Friends: Rutha Lee Epps, Eva McFadden and Lillie Ramsey all of Alcolu, SC. She had many Special Children, Close Cousins, and Friends who are too numerous to name.
Public viewing was held at 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Hayes F. Samuels Sr. Memorial Chapel, 114 N. Church St., Manning, SC.
Celebration of life took place 3:00 PM Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Green Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Alcolu, SC. Rev. Delbert H. Singleton, Jr., Pastor and eulogist, Rev. Al Hammett Jr., presiding, Pastor David Woods Jr., Rev. Willie Wright Jr. and Rev. Henry O. Blackwell, assisting. Burial followed in the Churchyard Cemetery. Ms. Blackwell lied in state one hour prior to the time of service.
The family received friends at her residence, 1121 Ocean Rd., Alcolu, SC.
