Maria Kerr Harris Blackwell

OXFORD January 2, 1923--August 4, 2018 Maria Kerr Blackwell departed this life on August 4, 2018 at her home in Oxford. Maria was the daughter of Frances Worthington Taylor and Graham Waverly Harris. She married Luther Devin Blackwell, Jr. on October 9, 1948 and they enjoyed many years togetheruntil his death on October 31, 1996. Maria attended Women's College of Greensboro, worked at Camp Butner during World War II, and was secretary to the principal of J. F. Webb High School in Oxford until her retirement. She was a longtime member of St. Stephen' Episcopal Church in Oxford where she served on the Altar Guild for many years. Maria was a member of the Tuesday Bridge Club, The Wednesday Literary Club, The Shakespeare Club of Oxford, and the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. Surviving Maria are her daughters Maria Kerr Tallberg of Topsail Beach, North Carolina, and Katherine Frye (Sandy) of Harbor Springs, Michigan; four grandchildren Maria Katherine Tallberg Jones, Lindsey Tallberg Lewis, Sanders Admiral Frye IV, and Taylor Devin Frye; four great grandchildren, Emma Pearl Jones, Olivia Ann Jones, Audrey Kerr Lewis, and William Stone Lewis. In her later years, Maria was blessed with a group of caregivers whom she loved dearly, especially Helen Harris and Queen Venable. The family is grateful for theirfaithful care. Memorial servicewill be Friday, August 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Oxford North Carolina, by The Rev. James L. Pahl, Jr., D. Min.. Reception in the Parish Hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, or to the charity of one's choice. The Blackwell family is proudly being served by Gentry-Newell - Vaughan Funeral Home, 503 College St., Oxford, NC, 27565.