Louise Blackshear

Louise Blackshear, age 64, of Utica, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family and friends by her side. Born in Utica on August 4, 1952, Louise was the daughter of the late Willie and Bernice Blackshear. She attended Kernan Elementary School and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy (Class of 1969). Louise worked various jobs throughout the course of her life. She began her career as a Teller at Marine Midland Ban; as a Reservationist at Allegheny Airlines; as a Receptionist for JCTOD Outreach Program; and as a Daycare Provider. Louise moved out of Utica, and lived in Alexandria, VA, and Syracuse, NY for several years before returning to Utica to raise her children amongst family. Louise culminated her career by operating a day care center where she watched over and nurtured many children. They all became her ‘nieces and nephews’, and “grandchildren” and she was “Aunt Louise” and “Nana” to all! This was a Godsend as she loved children, and was able to teach them values and skills they would need as they grew; she felt honored to enlighten them through God’s guidance. As a mom, Louise had a deep devotion to her children and grandchildren, and held them in highest esteem. In return, they honored her by taking care of her, spending quality time with her, and loving her dearly. Members from all generations of the family became caregivers for this beloved matriarch. Louise’s one-liners made for much laughter, and she was the go-to person for information, advice, and action…she knew it all! She could be a trusted confidante, and never repeated a shared story. God graced her with wisdom and a non-judgmental love for all. She had a relationship with God and based many of her life decisions on her deep faith. She preached from her heart and soul to anyone who would listen. As her health declined, she never complained, and she continued to do those things most important to her, such as voting, going to church, or calling upon someone in need. Being one of 13 children, she and her siblings were raised to share a closeness and watch each other’s back. “If you had a problem with one of them, you had a problem with all of them” -especially the boys. Each of them felt blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family. Louise’s love and lively energy was boundless and she befriended and carried on conversations with many people. Back in the day, she was a great dancer and won several dance contests. In her heyday she had a very nice figure and was considered a “brick house”. She also had a knack for fashion and was a sharp dresser. She enjoyed family barbecues and get-togethers, and her “Miss Louise’s Baked Beans” were never left over. Louise volunteered her time at the America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk because family’s health conditions brought her close to this fundraising event. She was a morale builder and annual supporter of this cause until recent years. She was a faithful member of Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church for many years where she sat on the back pew with her family as they worshiped the Lord together. To those who knew and loved Louise, she was one-in-a-million. She fulfilled her purpose in life by walking in the path of the Lord, and reflecting his light of peace and love on those who could not find it. Louise is survived by her children, Cassandra Blackshear, Jasman Whitehurst, Tekia Ivey (Rick), and Delmas “Lamont” Holmes; and her grandchildren to whom she was Nana: Lanice, Ricky, Dejanique, Jesen, David, Marshae, Kelshaun, Tiqua; Jahnaya, John III; Jahmel, Ja’Niya, Jayden, and JaAhna. She also leaves her siblings and their loves, Thelma Porter, Robert Sr. (Josephine) Blackshear, Bernice (Theodore) Brown, Walter (Faith) Blackshear, Mary (Steve) Blackshear, Edward Blackshear, and Julius (Kathie) Blackshear; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, cousins, aunts, Helen Wilson, Anna Belle Dorsey, and Nellie Yarbough; and sisters-in-law, Diane, Marie, and Mable. She was also blessed with so many wonderful friendships throughout her life with special mention of her beloved friend, Jeffrey Moore; and longtime friends, Frances Frazier, Vernita Patterson, and Mary Jackson. She was predeceased by her brothers, Bill Blackshear, Richard Blackshear, James Blackshear, and Matthew Blackshear; and her sisters, Mildred Blackshear, and Gloria Blackshear. The family extends their appreciation to Kathy Leach/NP at the St. Elizabeth, Hobart St. Clinic who Louise trusted and shared a personal relationship; Dr. Bradley Sklar at Digestive Disease Medicine for his medical advice that Louise appreciated; the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s ICU for their ability to accommodate such a large family as well as their compassionate care of our loved one, and Pete Starowicz who went above and beyond in offering comfort to Louise. Thanks also to her Pastor, Rev. Robert E. Williams who brought comfort and spiritual guidance to Louise and her family until her passing and also to the many family and friends who supported her during her time in the hospital. There was always someone there to provide comfort and emotional support to her, and her passing was peaceful. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 28th, from 11:00am-1:00 p.m. at Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, 751 South St., Utica, NY 13501. Louise’s funeral service and Home Going Celebration will commence on Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 at the church upon the conclusion of visitation with Rev. Robert E. Williams officiating. Interment will take place in New Forest Cemetery in the spring. Louise’s motto was “build your relationships out of love and hold them together with a sense of humor.”

Louise Blackshear

August 4, 1952 - December 21, 2016