Edith Opal Blackshear

Edith Opal Blackshear, 90, Big Spring went to be with her Lord on Sunday, December 21, 2008 at her home surrounded by children, grandchildren, and friends. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Rosewood Chapel with her Grandson's Shane Blackshear, Pastor of Nexus Community Church of Brownwood, Texas and Lt. Col Frederick (Hodges) Viccellio, USAF, England presiding. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.The family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.Mrs. Blackshear was born December 25, 1917 in White Wright, Texas. She married her sweetheart and soul mate H. C. (Horace) Blackshear on August 6, 1932, in Madill, Oklahoma. He preceded her in death after 65 years of marriage July 26, 1997. "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" John 13:15. She was a charter member of College Baptist Church. She will be spending her Christmas birthday with her husband whom she missed so dearly, and is at rest with her Savior for eternity. Mrs. Blackshear lived in Howard County since 1952, coming from Pampa. She was a housewife and homemaker who worked alongside her husband operating Hillside Mobile Home Park and Sales for a number of years until their retirement in the 90s. There was no greater joy than that she found when surrounded by her loved ones. Her family was her greatest treasure. She was a loving and devoted wife, Momma, Granny, Sister, Aunt, and friend. "All because two people fell in love." She is survived by two sons and their wives, Bobby and Barbara Blackshear and Tim and Terri Blackshear, both of Big Spring, a son Dealy Blackshear of Big Spring; a daughter Barbara Conaway of Spring and daughter Debra Wallace of Big Spring; one brother Carrel Bishop of Farmersville; four sisters, Orene Blackshear and Wynona Phillips of Farmersville; Marie Moore of Waco and Evelyn Johnson of Houston. Thirteen grandchildren will forever cherish the memories of their times with Granny. Natalie McDonald, Mike and Danny Conaway, Kerrie Raffles, Becky McGuire, Cathy Viccellio, Cass and Cameron Blackshear, Tania, Wendie and Whitney Wallace, and Shane and Timmi Blackshear; and twenty-four great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. One "special daughter" who cared for and loved Granny for over three years, Bertie "Bee" Hawkins and her husband Fred of Big Spring. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving relatives and friends. In addition to her husband , she was preceded in death by twin sons, Fletcher Harold and E.C. Carol Blackshear; two grandsons David Kevin Blackshear and James "Pete" McDonald; one great-granddaughter, Christine Ann McDonald; her parents, Dealy Fletcher and Minnie Bishop. Three brothers Clyde Bishop, Clifford Bishop and Woodroe Bishop; and two sisters Effie Ragsdale and Ethel Key. Pallbearers will be Fred Hawkins, Cam Blackshear, Cass Blackshear, Mike Conaway, Danny Conaway, Shane Blackshear, and Frederick (Hodges) Viccellio.Granddaughter Laney Wallace will sing one of her favorite hymns, "Amazing Grace", in celebration of Granny's life.The family suggest memorials be made to College Baptist Church; c/o Building Fund, 1104 Birdwell Lane, Big Spring, Texas 79720. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,