Lillie Rose Blackmon

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Lillie Rose Blackamore Blackmon, the youngest of twelve children, was born February 12, 1938, in Wyatt, Missouri, to the late James and Christine Blackamore.  She departed this life to be with the Lord December 11, 2017. Lillie Rose graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1956 and worked for Bendix Corporation until she retired.  She married the late John Blackmon in 1972. They were blessed with two sons, Eddie (Delores) Blackamore of Benton Harbor, MI and Larry Blackamore of Kalamazoo, MI; six grandchildren, Dondrell, Torey and Deveontai Blackamore all of Benton Harbor, MI, Ladonna Jackson of Kalamazoo, MI, the late Corey Heady of Kalamazoo, MI, and the late Shasta Horston of South Bend, IN; eleven great grandchildren including a special great grandchild Alexis Blackamore and one great-great grandchild. Lillie was a devoted, lifelong member of Second Baptist Church, where she served in many capacities including the Usher Board, Food Pantry, the Inspirational Choir, the Gospel Chorus, Trustee Board and in the church Finance Office.  She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Stars and Red Hatters.  She enjoyed rummage sales, church, spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren, godchildren and many friends. Lillie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, six brothers: James, J.B., John, Elisha, David and Lugene Blackamore; four sisters: Leola Graham, Elizabeth Sanders, Mary Vincent and Olivia Gibson; and two grandchildren: Corey Heady and Shasta Horston. Lillie Rose leaves to cherish her memory, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchild; one brother Ezell of Kalamazoo, MI; a lifelong friend and sister Dorothy Hudson of Benton Harbor, MI; five godchildren: Robin Bearden of S. Lebanon, OH, Randall Hudson of Convington, KY, Teresa Bradley of Kentwood, MI, Charles Hudson of Fairfield, OH, Erin “Nikki” Hudson of Benton Harbor, MI; and a host of family, friends and loved ones. A Home Going Celebration will be held Friday, December 22, at Second Baptist Church, 600 Donald Adkins Drive, Benton Harbor, MI with Rev. Kenneth Gavin officiating. Visitation begins at 11 a.m. with services following at noon.