Alcolu, SC
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 affectionally 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 work ethics 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 will be held 2:00 PM til 6:00 PM Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Hayes F. Samuels Sr. Memorial Chapel, 114 N. Church St., Manning, SC.
Celebration of life will take 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 will follow in the Churchyard Cemetery. Ms. Blackwell will lie in state one hour prior to the time of service.
The family is receiving friends at her residence, 1121 Ocean Rd., Alcolu, SC.
May she rest in peace. My condolences to the family.
Sending thoughts and prayers to one of my best high school friends Willie Mae (Bit) Blackwell (Manning) and Family. I Remember your mother as one of the kindest, sweetest persons ever, always had that beautiful smile every time I saw her. 🙏
Mrs. Henrietta and Mr Coot together again. I can see him cutting up and I can see that beautiful smile on your mom's face as they greet each other. She will always be remembered for all the years I have known her. Praying for God to continue to be with y'all to help you through this time of grief. Verta Mae Peterson McCree
Praying for the family during this time.
I will always remember her sweet and gentle smile, her loving words of encouragement. She always encouraged me to "preach the word". She treated me as if I was one of her own and I know she loved me just as well. My heart is heavy at her leaving, however, is rejoiceful because I know she knew the Lord and will be with him in Glory. I will miss her greatly. Love David Woods Jr. and Family.
My prayers and condolences to the family. My Hennie will truly be missed. God has definitely gained a sweet angel. Take your rest My Hennie, your wok on this side is done. Love you and will miss you.
Extending sympathy to each of you. My thoughts are with each of you at this time. Karl Addis - Oconee County Coroner
We pray 🙏🏽 God gives you comfort and strength during this time that only he can provide. Jehovah Jireh Outreach Ministries Apostle Myra Pearson and Disciples
Huline & Lee Goodman, Sorry for the loss of your love one. Please accept our sincere sympathy and prayers.
Huline & Lee Goodman, Sorry for the loss of your love one. Please accept our sincere sympathy and prayers.
Sorry for the loss of your love one. Please accept our sincere sympathy and prayers.
On behalf of my Manning family and my late father Lt. Col (ret) Robert Manning Jr, we offer our sincere condolences and prayers to the family in their loss. Our deepest sympathy for you all.
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. ~ Wayne and Deborah Vinson and Allison Ridgeway
May your tears wash away your sadness and may beautiful memories warm each of your hearts. I am Thinking of You with Love at this Time.
To the entire family, sincerest thoughts, prayers & condolences to you all. She lived a great, long life, but it does not make the loss of her physical presence any easier. Continued prayers.🙏🏽🫶🏽
Prayers for the family during this difficult time. She was such a sweet person and she will truly be missed.
Cousins -
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear mother and grandmother, Ms. Henrietta. We are standing in the gap with you all and know that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will continue to be with you during this time of bereavement. Much Love - Stan & Michelle Nelson
My condolences to my family and friends. Memories of going home with Delphine from school then to our basketball game. Ma always made me feel at home. So many memories of good times together. I will never forget those days of being in your presence. Take your rest and I hope to see you in the "MORNING". Love you, Dorothy S Gaymon
My sweet dear Grandma Retta! I wish I'd stop by to see and hear your sweet voice at least one more time a few weeks ago. 😔 You already knew what You meant to me and I will never forget all the wisdom, our talks and the laughter. I just simply love You! Tell Grandma Ella Hello. My sincerest to My Family and Yall already know I'm here for all.
My condolences to the family! Bernard Bradshaw and family.
To my beautiful, 2nd grandmother, you will forever be in my heart and memories. Family, I pray God keeps you in your time of healing and I love all of you. My deepest and sincerest condolences.
To Eric and family, our deepest condolences to you on your loss. We will keep you and the family in prayer.
My Condolences to the family and we will keep the family in prayer 🙏 Janice BosierScott and BosierFamily
Eric, sending my heartfelt condolences to you and your family 🕊️🤍
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.