Carol Mae Blackwell, 78 of Springfield, MO, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. 

Carol was born on February 18, 1946, in Fargo, ND, the daughter of Earl and Bernice (Locke) Howey.  On October 3, 1968, she married Norman Michael Blackwell who survives her.

She is also survived by her daughter Rebecca Thomas, her husband, Chris, four grandchildren, Michael, Elizabeth, Madelyn, and Jonathan, all of Springfield, one brother David, of Bloomington, MN, two sisters, Alice and her husband Art Schaeffer, of Colorado, and Elaine Myers, of Vancouver, WA. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as hundreds of friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Jonathan Blackwell, and a brother, Monte Howey.

Carol grew up on a farm in North Dakota. After graduation she attended Ambassador College in Pasadena, CA.  This is where she met and eventually married her husband, Mike.  From that point they were a team. They served in many different responsibilities over the next 50+ years, side by side. She was always there to help in any way she could. She was a wonderful example of a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all who knew her. She had a warm, sweet personality which made people feel comfortable.  Her smile she was ready to engage anyone in a conversation. She was a sweet, gracious hostess willing to entertain for any occasion, whether it was an out of town teen basketball team, a group of senior citizens, or a group for Night to Be Observed. Serving was a way of life for her, no matter what or where the need. 

She was known as a second mom to her children’s friends and for some that extended into adulthood. She was always there and played a vital role in her husband’s role as pastor for over 40 years. She was a woman of faith who loved God and His people.  Her hope, compassion, and positive vision of the future for all the people she knew helped her to be the person she was.

She will be very much missed by all who knew and loved her.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: A memorial service for Carol will be held Sunday, August 25, at 2:00 p.m. at the Willard Community Center, 222 W Jackson, Willard, MO. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.