Daphine (Bobbitt) Blackwell

Our beloved Daphine Bobbitt Blackwell, age 83, of Elizabeth City, NC, entered into eternal rest on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Life Celebration Services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, Elizabeth City, NC, with Rev. Dr. Ricky L. Banks officiating and Rev. Dr. Melvin T. Blackwell, delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in Dove’s Landing Cemetery, Elizabeth City, NC. A viewing will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 20, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The family will be receiving friends at the home of Minister Johnnie Jr. and Casondra Blackwell, 2028 Eleuthera Way, Elizabeth City, NC.

Daphine leaves to cherish her memory her children: Pastor Melvin Blackwell (Jackie) of Chesapeake, VA; Carolyn Blackwell of Elizabeth City; Minister Johnnie Blackwell, Jr. (Casondra); Rosetta Brackett of Gastonia, NC; and Bishop Ronald Lyons (Felicia) of Los Angeles; a special granddaughter whom she raised, Tyche’ Combs (Dawaun); six sisters, Ida Bass (James) of Oxford, NC, Gilda Mullins (Lee) of Lakewood, NJ, Bobbie Norman (Buddy) of Swedesboro, NJ, Gertrude Clark, Dorothy Suit of Roselle, NJ; and two sisters‑in‑law, Ada Bobbitt of Henderson, NC, and Victoria Bobbitt of Douglasville, GA; one brother, Garland Venable; and one more brother‑in‑law, Donnie Hawley; 22 grandchildren; 24 great‑grandchildren; 21 great‑great‑grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, all of whom brought her immense joy.

She was preceded in death by many dear loved ones. Two of those God‑given gifts to her were her loving husband of 60 years, Johnnie Blackwell, Sr., and her first son, Johnnie Earl Blackwell, who was stillborn.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Chesapeake Health and Rehab staff for their care, compassion, and dedication during the last four months of her life. A special thank you is also extended to her daughter Carolyn for being a wonderful, loving caretaker for our mother.

Mitchell Funeral Care and Cremations is assisting the Blackwell family.

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