Mary Gail (McWilliams)Blackburn

Mary Gail (McWilliams) Blackburn, 85, of Benton, went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 12, 2022, surrounded by her family. Gail is proceeded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, William Thomas (Tom) Blackburn, and parents, George Lee McWilliams and Ruth Marion (Bennett) McWilliams; sister, Betty McWilliams English; and brother, Paul Ray McWilliams. Gail is survived by her son, Thomas Paul Blackburn (Freida). She was a very special Granny to her grandchildren, Lauren Blackburn Harter (Jason); Megan Blackburn Cole (Jason); greatgrandchildren, Owen Thomas Harter and Callan Elliott Cole; and sisters, Gwen McWilliams Wilson (Pete) and Mickey McWilliams Ramsey (Tommy Dean).

Gail was born November 19, 1936, in Bodcaw, Arkansas. She graduated from Benton High School in 1955. She was a homemaker, dedicated to raising her son and helping with her granddaughters once they came along. Gail was very involved in genealogical research and was a charter member, officer, and board member of the Saline County History and Heritage Society. The love of genealogical research allowed her to trace her heritage and become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), allowing her granddaughters to be charter members of the Children of the American Revolution (CAR). Gail was a member of First Baptist Church Benton where she was an active member of the Ladies Adult 6 Sunday School class.

A graveside service for family will be held at 10 a.m. on August 16, 2022 at New Rosemont Cemetery in Benton with Dr. Rick Grant officiating. Phone calls in lieu of visits at the family home would be appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Saline County History and Heritage Society or to Saline Memorial Hospice.

Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.