Obituary of Rita Lenora Blackwell

Obituary of Rita Blackwell Rita Lenora Blackwell was born January 22nd, 1949 on a cold, snowy day in Commerce, TX. Her parents were A.C. Williams, a high school principal, and Mylie Williams, a beautician. She was christened at Griffith Chapel C.M.E Church at an early age. Rita attended Norris High School but later transferred and graduated from Commerce High School due to the onset of integration in Commerce. While in high school she excelled academically and was successful at a number of extracurricular activities including basketball, volleyball, and track. She was also an outstanding typist. Rita chose business as her major at Texas A&M University, formerly East Texas State University. She was a founding member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at East Texas State University and went on to receive her Bachelors of Science Degree. After graduation, Rita moved to Dallas with her sister Cynthia to begin her career in business and education. She landed her first job at Frigiking as a secretary. Always eager to pursue new, exciting opportunities, Rita worked at companies including UNCF, Southwestern Bell, Allstate Insurance, Southern Methodist University, and SCT Corporation. Towards the end of her career she combined her expertise in business with her love of education to become a Business and Computer Information Systems instructor for the Cedar Hill ISD. She retired in January 2012. During retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, renewing a former hobby of sewing, and deepening her friendships. On April 8th, 1972, Rita married O.C. Blackwell, whom she met in college. While newlyweds, they had the opportunity to meet new lifelong friends, travel, and even attend the Academy Awards and Governor's Ball in Beverly Hills, California. They were blessed to be in this sacred union for 41 years. To this union, their daughter Courtney was born on February 4th, 1980. Rita dedicated much of her time and energy to giving Courtney a better life filled with enriching experiences and exposure to unique opportunities. Rita and Courtney enjoyed their mother daughter trips together to Germany, Italy, and most recently enjoyed a transatlantic voyage on the Queen Mary 2. Rita is survived by her loving family consisting of her husband of 41 years, O.C. Blackwell, daughter Courtney Blackwell Burton (Adam) of New Jersey, Cynthia Christle (Billy) of Dallas, Albert Curtis Williams Jr. of Georgetown, TX, Callie Hearne (Nathanial) of Arlington, TX, and Kenneth Williams of Commerce, TX.