Irene Herty Blackmon

July 1, 2018

Irene Blackmon, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 1, 2018 at Aldersgate Hospice House. She was born December 30, 1930 in Brooklyn, NY, daughter of Elizabeth and Frank Herty. Her family lived in Charleston, SC during her childhood and later moved to Columbia. After graduation from high school, she attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia, graduating in 1951.

Her commitment to community involvement was evident in college, where she was President of the Pan-Hellenic Council, President of Kappa Delta Sorority, Secretary of the Honor Council and also of the Literary Society and Treasurer of Alpha Kappa Gamma. She was awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, which each year recognizes two members of the senior class for their character and their service to humanity.

These accomplishments were not something Irene ever mentioned, and you could know her for years and never hear about them. She loved and valued people for who they were, not what they had accomplished. Because of this acceptance and wisdom, Irene had many friends, all of whom admired and loved her gentleness, honesty and straightforward manner.

After college graduation, Irene taught English at Hand Junior High until she and Jerry Blackmon were married and began moving to follow Jerry’s education and career. Jerry says there is no one as wonderful as Irene, quite a tribute from the person who knew her best after sixty-six years of marriage.

Irene was devoted to her family. They will greatly miss her candor, warmth, sense of humor, guidance and encouragement.

Commitment to her community, church and to family and friends was important to Irene, and she served on the Vestry at St. John’s Episcopal Church and participated in many other activities at St. John’s, where she and Jerry have been members since 1965.

For over thirty years, she volunteered at St. Peter’s Soup Kitchen, caring deeply about the people she served and enjoying friendship with her co-workers.

Along with her volunteer activities, Irene worked for years as the bookkeeper for Jerry’s businesses, keeping fastidious records. Her pastimes were reading good literature, knitting caps for newborns and sweaters, blankets and scarves for family and friends. Early mornings began with working the daily crossword puzzles and she enjoyed frequent Monday afternoon movies at the Manor Theater with friends.

Irene is survived by her husband of sixty-six years, Jerry Blackmon, and their children, John Blackmon (Susan), Rick Blackmon, Ann Bass (Dale) and Bill Blackmon (Rayna). She is also survived by seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and her brother, Frank Herty (Janet).

The Blackmon family would like to thank the following for their professional and personal care during Irene’s cancer treatment, Dr. Michael Livingston, Dr. Jeffery Kneisl, Dr. Stuart Burri and all their dedicated staff.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1623 Carmel Road, on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 2 PM with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Charlotte Urban Ministries, The Paula Takacs Foundation for Sarcoma Research and St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Services, 1321 Berkeley Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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Comments

  • William "Willy" "Bo" Gray

    Jerry, John, Rick, Ann and Bill:
    So sorry to hear about Irene's illness and death. What a lovely lady. What a wonderfully full life. Her passing comes too soon for one so young at heart. How she kept the five (5) of you in line and did all of the marvelous things she did in her "spare" time will remain one of the world's great mysteries. I strongly suspect, however, that just as Our Father provided the final treatment for her illness, he too had a hand in this. A true angel. God Bless you all.

  • Art Artemes

    Jerry,
    I am so sorry for your loss. May good memories and sweet stories remind you that you have loved and been loved. Wishing you the comfort of love each time you remember.
    Art Artemes

  • Delores Jones

    Ann, I was sorry to read about your mother in the paper. I fondly remember your parents from attending school events for your children. Thinking about you and your family.
    Delores Jones (Elizabeth's mother)