Norma Jane Blackwell

Norma Jane Blackwell, surrounded by her family, went home to be with her Lord on February 7, 2013. Jane was born June 3, 1931 to Gladie and Hampton Thompson in O'Donnell, Texas. The family homestead was a place where she learned the lessons of hard work, picking cotton, selling eggs, and frying chicken for her family. During her school years she studied hard, participating in the pep squad, and playing the piano for the Rotary Club. Attending Abilene Christian College, she met her forever mate, Carlton Ray Blackwell. Jane began her teaching career in Carlsbad, New Mexico, and it was during that time that Ray proposed, and they married August 30,1953, at the Church of Christ in O'Donnell Texas. They started their married lives together with Jane teaching school and Ray working for the Soil Conservation Service in Quanah, Texas, where their first child Kim was born. Their second daughter, Twyla, soon followed in Knox City. Three years later, a son Stacey arrived in Vernon, Texas. Her children remember her as a fun loving and carefree mom, full of spontaneity, and a love for The Lord.Jane taught in Texas schools for 40 years. She was awarded a Masters in Education from Sul Ross University. Jane took pride in her work as a teacher, grading papers and creating elaborate bulletin boards. Because of her passion for reading and teaching, she became a reading specialist for MISD, instilling a love for books to many children. She especially loved reading to her grandchildren. Mrs. Blackwell was a member of Kappa Gamma and TSTA.Jane and Ray moved to West Texas in 1967. They lived in Monahans and Pecos, making their way to Midland in 1982. Jane was very involved in church activities, and formed valuable friendships. As an elder's wife, she served dinners to many visiting preachers and taught Bible classes to young teenage girls. She was a member of Golf Course Road Church of Christ.Jane grew up playing 42, and was determined to teach her grandchildren and their mates her winning strategies. The family has many memories of her singing, swimming, and playing password. At the age of 70, she fulfilled a life long dream of learning the game of bridge, playing three times a week and sometimes more. She celebrated her eightieth birthday by traveling to Canada to participate in a bridge tournament.Jane had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest. She was a cancer survivor for twelve years keeping a positive attitude throughout her treatments. Jane is preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, Christine Bray, M.H. Thompson, and Dolores Thompson. She is survived by her devoted husband Ray, three children and their families: Kim and Steve Conley of Abilene, Twyla and Bob Doty of Midland, and Stacey and Francie Blackwell of St. Louis, MO; two brothers, Wallace Thompson of O'Donnell, Kent and Billie Thompson of Lubbock, and a sister-in-law, Virginia Thompson of Lubbock, ten grandchildren Brandon Doty and Emily Schigut of Edinburg, Makinzie and Matt Heard of Denton, Ashleigh and Lance Kelley of Waco, Bryce Doty of Midland, Tim and Leah Doty of Midland, Melinda and Lane Miller of Georgetown, Marci and Michael Foree of Plano, Noah Blackwell of St. Louis, MO, Trae Doty of Midland, and Jill and Anthony Hughes of Longview, WA., five great-grandchildren, Caedmon, Lincoln, and Laurel Kelley, Jack and Hank Doty, and several nieces and nephews.Friends and family will gather on February 9, 2013 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday February 10, 2013 at 2:30 at Golf Course Road Church of Christ in Midland, TX with Tim Baugh officiating. Interment will be the following day at Alameda Cemetery in Eastland County.The family would like to thank Dr. Watkins and his staff, Hospice Midland, Lowery's Home Care Service, friends at Lori's Cafe, and the loving family at Golf Course Road for their excellent care and support. Memorials may be directed to Hospice Midland, Midland Christian School, or to the charity of one's choice.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,