Bette Blackwell

Bette Ricketts Blackwell, 81, lovingly known to all as "BeBe" of Danville, VA, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2016 at her home, after months of declining health. She was the daughter of John and Minnie Ricketts. As a native of Danville, she graduated George Washington High School in 1952.  Soon after, she married the love of her life, Thomas Blackwell.  After working in the offices of Pittsylvania Hardware and Sears and Roebuck, she joined the family car business as a bookkeeper. She later became co-owner and Secretary and Treasurer of the dealership. Bette was one of the first female GM Dealers in the United States.  Even after retiring she would fill in on occasions and help complete the monthly bookkeeping and financials for the dealership. Always a loving spouse and devoted mother, it was not until she became a grandmother that she became known to all as "BeBe".  BeBe was an active member of West Main Baptist and Rivermont Baptist Church. She served on many committees and at Rivermont Baptist she was the director of Vacation Bible School.  As a member of the Gideon's Auxillary she distributed thousands of Bibles throughout the community and the world. Her greatest gift was her compassion and love for others.  She never missed an opportunity to love and care for others through her cooking and tremendous faith. She is survived by son John Blackwell and wife, Kelly; daughter Lynn Blackwell and wife Michelle Burke;   son Torrey Blackwell and wife, Shelley. She is also survived by four very loved grandchildren, Lance, Key, Noah and Lucy Blackwell as well as a sister, Lorraine Medlock of South Carolina.  She is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Thomas J. Blackwell as well as a sister, Marjorie Thomas of GA. Funeral Services will be held at West Main Baptist Church at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 22, 2016 with Reverend Bruce Wilson officiating, followed by burial at Highland Burial Park. The family will receive friends at Townes Funeral Home, Friday October 21, 2016 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. The family request that any donations in her memory be made to the Danville Cancer Association or to The Gideon's International.