Peggy Jean Blackwelder's Obituary
Peggy Jean Blackwelder, 97, of St. Petersburg, Florida, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 21, 2026, in Bradenton, Florida.
She was born in Lorain, Ohio, to George and Marguerite Adams. In 1945, Peggy moved with her family, including her sisters Georgia and Beverly, to St. Petersburg, Florida, where she later trained and worked as a beautician.
Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 75 years, Martin Hoover Blackwelder, whom she met at a dance at the historic St. Petersburg Coliseum. They were married in 1949 and built a life centered on faith, devotion, and family.
She is survived by her son, Dean Blackwelder (wife Reina), of Bradenton, Florida; her daughter, Cindy Blackwelder of St. Petersburg, Florida; five grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many dear nieces and nephews who loved her deeply.
Peggy will be remembered as the heart of her family. She found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved — filling her home with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of her wonderful cooking. Becoming a grandmother was one of her greatest delights. She treasured having her grandchildren stay at her home, teaching each of them to swim, spoiling them with special back-to-school shopping traditions, and making each one feel deeply loved and cherished.
In addition to her devotion to family and faith, Peggy cultivated a love for art. Through community classes, she developed a talent for oil painting, creating works that remain cherished keepsakes within the family.
Above all, Peggy’s life was anchored in her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She faithfully introduced her children, grandchildren, and all she could to her Lord. She took great joy in bringing her family to church and worshipping at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks. Her steady trust in Christ guided her every step, and she was known for her joyful spirit, gentle strength, and deep love for God’s Word. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith continues through the generations she poured into so faithfully.
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” — John 11:25 (KJV)
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