Obituary of Eunice S. Blackwell

Eunice S. Grady Blackwell, age 89 of Rochester, New York departed life on October 12, 2021, of natural causes with her daughters by her side.

Eunice was born in Loughman Florida, to Walter and Sylvira Bynum Grady on April 17, 1932.  She received her formal education in the public schools in Seminole County Florida.

Eunice united her union with Cleo Blackwell Senior in Cohocton, New York in 1952, and settled in Rochester New York, in 1954.

She was employed at the Jewish Home for six years and the New York State Hospital System for 25 years. She continued her medical training and was promoted to the position of EKG technician which she held for the remainder of her tenure until retiring in 1990.  After retirement she briefly volunteered as a Health Care Aide in 1999.

Eunice was a free - thinking spirited soul, and a faithful prayer warrior until the end.  In 1982 Eunice joined the congregation of Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church under the pastorate of the Reverend Dr. John H. Dixon.  During her tenure at Baber, she was  a faithful and committed servant of God and discharged her duties honorably while serving as a Steward, a member of the usher board, a member of the missionary society, and member of the Hospitality and Keenagers service organizations.

Eunice loved to visit the sick, disabled, and shut - ins. Eunice  was truly a dedicated prayer warrior for all in need, and spokesperson for Jesus; anywhere, any place, and anytime. She prayed for all in need by telephone or face to face encounters. During many services at Baber Eunice would be called upon to bring petitions and intercessions on behalf of those in need of prayers.

Eunice loved to dress, so it followed that she also loved to shop and travel. Both of these activities allowed her to continuously add to her wardrobe. Her creative talents were not limited to wearing stylish outfits, but she was an excellent cook. Her sweet potato pie, her cream cheese pound cake, and her homemade cornbread dressing were only a few of her out of this world Chef quality, delicious specialties.

Eunice loved her children and her grandchildren. She especially had tons of fun with her grandchildren. She enjoyed joking around with them. Her relationship with her grandchildren gave her the opportunity to share her life experiences. She freely shared her wisdom and gave counsel, and encouragement to her family and friends.

Eunice was preceded in death by her husband; Cleo Blackwell Sr., her parents; Walter and Sylvira Grady, her sisters; Henrietta Grady, Mary Toliaferro, Pearlie Jyles, and Irene Oliver,  her brothers; Willie, and Bishop Zedekiah Grady, her Daughter; Patricia A. Blackwell, and her son; Cleo Blackwell Junior.

Eunice leaves to cherish her memory - her son; Dr. Walter Grady (Annie),  her daughters;  Mary E. Blackwell Thomas (Greg), and Eunice Judy Diane Blackwell, her grandchildren; Larry (Carla) Thomas Jr., Charles (Kendra) Thomas, Shatasha Johnson, Shatisha (Floyd) Baptist, Shamar Johnson, Shawn Thomas, Lakiyah “Toya” (Marlon) Williams, Miya Blackwell, Walter Grady Jr., Mikell Grady, Erika Grady Rovey, and Kristal Grady,  twenty great grandchildren; five great - great grandchildren;  sister Mildred Grady Wilson; many nieces and nephews; dearest friends, Joyce “Nana” Grant; Etta Cohen, Mary Majors, Kathy Reid, Peggy Wilson, Kennetha Jackson, Ellen Ricks and her sister Ann.