Marie Thorne Blackwell
January 7, 1943 – August 4, 2026
WENDELL – Marie Thorne Blackwell, 83, passed on from this life and is now at rest. Marie was born in Franklin Co. to the late Albert Thomas & Alma Lee Thorne. Marie was married to Archmond Driver and to that union was born their son, David. As time and life progressed, she worked at Louisburg College. Marie also worked for Wake Med after moving to Raleigh where she met and married John Blackwell. They later built their home outside Rolesville where she was a Pharmacy tech at Rolesville Drug for many years. After retirement, Marie and John decided to purchase a hardware store at Wake Cross Rd., known as John’s Hardware. After their decision of full retirement, her son, David, and his wife Jeannie decided to carry on the hardware business, now as Hunter’s Haven in Rolesville where Marie was the secretary and treasurer while also helping with the day-to-day operations of the store. Marie was also a very active member of both the Eastern Star of Rolesville and Vision Baptist.
In 2018, Marie received the unwanted diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Marie didn’t allow the news to bring her down, but instead, she researched and read up on it and was determined to conquer it. Amidst it all, she remained positive and never complained. Her pride and joy were her grandsons. She played a huge and integral part of their lives.
Along with her parents, Marie was preceded in death by the love of her life, John Blackwell and her sister, Ann Colbert.
Marie is survived by her son, David Driver (Jeannie Buffaloe) and her grandsons, Walker Driver and Allan Driver, stepson, John W. Blackwell, Jr (Tammy), step grandchildren, Trey and Brittney, Aunt, Alyce Hawkins and nieces Karen Proctor and Amy Colbert.
To all the Staff at Kingswoods Reverse senior Living, thank you for such a huge part of her care and daily activities for the past 15 months. Each one of you are a blessing to this world.
Funeral service will begin at 3:00pm on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Covenant Presbyterian Church located on Selma Rd, Wendell NC with visitation from 1:30pm to 3:00pm prior to service. Burial to follow in the Rolesville Baptist Church cemetery.
Flowers welcome or memorial contributions can be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church of Wendell.
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. www.stricklandfuneral.com
5 Comments
My deepest condolences go out to Ms Marie Blackwell’s family as they are grieving the loss of this amazing lady, though I didn’t know her long she made a huge impact on my life and I will forever miss her! Fly high beautiful! You’ll be deeply missed! Much love to you and your family! 💜
David, sorry about the passing of your mother. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort through your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.for the days ahead without her.
David and family, My condolences in the passing of your mom. My your memories, prayers and the love she shared with you give you comfort as you transition through this sad time.
As being part of the Hawkins family, I met Marie. Many years ago, she was such a blessing. She had such an inspiration for life. Like she had a joy that nobody else could explain. And she loved everyone in her life, I always have wonderful memories of her
Sending prayers for the family but we know that she is with John and she is home. She has no more earthly ailments to hold her back and She’s there with Jesus,
We are sorry for your loss! Sending prayers to the family!
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