Lionel Terry Blakeney, son of the late Etta Coretha Blakeney and Lawson A. Bracy, was born in Pageland, SC, Chesterfield County, August 9, 1956. He transitioned this earthly life, November 28, 2021.

Under the influence of a Christian home, he converted and accepted Christ at an early age. He was fostered spiritually at the nearby Nicey Grove Baptist Church, Jefferson, SC. He walked to church with his siblings, and delivered recitations during Easter, Children’s Day, and Christmas. He soon became a member of the family church, Oro United Methodist Church, Pageland, SC. He became a member of Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church upon the closure of Oro United Methodist Church. He served faithfully in the position as a member of the Parish Relations Committee and the United Methodist Men’s Choir.

Lionel’s formal education began at Shannon Elementary. He also attended Jefferson Elementary, Jefferson, SC, and graduated from Pageland High School, Pageland, SC.

He was an Analytical Methods Techniques trainer and a Supervisor during his employment at Caro-Knit, Dixie Yarns, Inc., Jefferson, SC. He was a lead machinist at Bloomsburg in Monroe, NC.

On December 23, 1980, Lionel married his sweetheart, Rose Rivers. For more than 40 years, they enjoyed the gift of love and marriage. Left to cherish his fond memories are: his wife, Rose Blakeney of Monroe, NC; daughters, Shuntina Johnson of Pageland, SC and Teri Blakeney of Indian Trail, NC; son, John Lawson Blakeney of Monroe, NC; grandchildren, Deaven Johnson, Taia Blount, J’vonte Tyreke McBride and Joshua McBride; great granddaughter, Nova Lei Hayden.

Sisters, Mable (William) Dargan of Pageland, SC, Clarice Blakeney of Pageland, SC, Shirlene Blakeney-McMillan of Pageland, SC, Janice Blakeney of Charlotte, NC, Althea (Eddie) Miller of Norfolk, Virginia, Lou Doris Lawrence of New Haven, Connecticut, Sandra Bracy of New Haven, Connecticut, Sandra Bracy of New Haven, Connecticut; brothers, Lee Edward (Linda) Bracy of Pageland, SC, Joe Ross (Genese) Bracy of Ruby, SC, Don (Sophia) Bracy of Monks Corner, SC, Duncan Bracy of Chesterfield, SC, Ray Von (Ingrid) Miller of Indian Trail, NC.

Mother-in-law, Rosetta Rivers of Pageland, SC; brother-in-law, Louis (Patricia) Rivers of Pageland, SC; sisters-in-law, Pattie Rivers of Pageland, SC, Loretta Robinson of Pageland, SC, Bonita (James) Leach of Pageland, SC, Annie Rivers of Pageland, SC, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

The Services to Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Mr. Blakeney were held on Friday, December 3, 2021, 1:00pm, Oro Church, Pageland, South Carolina. Interment followed in the Family Plot of Oro Church, Pageland, South Carolina.