Shirley Proctor Blackwell
September 22, 1946 – June 29, 2026
Shirley Proctor Blackwell passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. Born on September 22, 1946, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Shirley was the beloved daughter of the late Desmond & Lena Proctor. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Doris Marie Proctor and Peggy Ann Proctor; her brother, David Earl Proctor, and her granddaughter, Lena Bebee.
Shirley lived a life rooted in faith, love, and service. A servant of God, she found great joy in caring for others and lived each day with kindness, compassion, humility, and quiet strength. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome, valued, and deeply loved. Her life was a beautiful reflection of her faith, and her gentle spirit touched the hearts of all who had the blessing of knowing her.
Shirley was a devoted wife to her loving husband, Sammie Weathers Blackwell. Their marriage was built on love, commitment, and a lifetime of shared memories. Together they created a family filled with love and were blessed with a bond that remained strong through all of life’s seasons. Sammie was her partner, her companion, and the one by her side through 52 wonderful years. Their love story is a beautiful part of the legacy Shirley leaves behind.
Her greatest joy and proudest blessing was her family. She loved them with her whole heart and devoted her life to encouraging, supporting, and caring for those she loved. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was much more than a grandmother; she was a second mother, a trusted friend, a source of wisdom, and a constant example of unconditional love. The lessons she taught, the faith she lived, and the love she gave will continue to shape her family for generations to come.
Shirley is survived by her dedicated husband, Sammie Weathers Blackwell; her loving daughters, Pamela Land (Mark) and Rhonda Laskins; her brother, Desmond Earl Proctor Jr. (Brenda), her sister Lena Mae Adams; her cherished grandchildren, Ashley Crouse (Brad), Heather Pixley (Joey), April Pepper (Scottie); and her 13 great-grandchildren, Ashton, Brooke, Gavin, Lincoln, Jack, Mason, Leah, Collin, Sydney, Daxus, Violet, Autumn and Nathan. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who were blessed to know and love her.
Although her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the promise of eternal life and find comfort knowing Shirley is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior. Her legacy of unwavering faith, selfless love, and compassionate service will continue to live on through the family she cherished and the many lives she touched.
A visitation will be held on July 3, 2026, at Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory in Wendell, NC from 2:00pm to 3:00pm followed by a celebration of Shirley’s life beginning at 3:00pm. All are welcome to wear bright colors in remembrance of and to honor Shirley’s bright personality.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a favorite charity of your choice in Shirley’s memory.
“Her children arise and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:28
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell.
www.stricklandfuneral.com
2 Comments
Sammie and Family,
Amy Jo and I are so sorry for your loss. Shirley was such a wonderful person. She will be missed greatly. We’re praying for you all.
Not my aunt by blood, but she will always be my aunt Jean. I spent my teenage years and early adulthood joining her family for Thanksgiving every year. Aunt Jean would always cook the meal and we’d bring the desserts. I always looked forward to going spending time with Sammy, Jean, Pam, Rhonda and they’re families as well as my Adams family. She was a loving caring person and I remember our Mountain trips, all the laughter and catching up. Rip Enjoy Paradise, good and faithful servant. Prayers for the family during these difficult days.
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