Donnell Thomas Blackwell, was beautifully born 04/18/1967 to wonderful parents, Nathaniel Blackwell and Mary Pillows in Pittsburgh, PA. While growing into his early adulthood, he became an avid bodybuilder and enjoyed all things athletic. During his rearing, Donnell Blackwell and Mardine Young bore the fruits of two baby boys, Donnell L Blackwell and Thomas Blackwell, the complete apples of his eye. Not to be outdone with love for strong sons, Mrs. Cynthia Blackwell gave him another son Dre’ell Blackwell to complete his set.
Donnell grew into a fine young man and with responsibility, felt the need to enlist into the army.
Valiantly, Donnell served 11 years in the service of his country, in the Army. Reaching the rank of Sgt. and bravely received several medals in doing so, including a tour during Desert Storm. After his years in the military he became a Florida resident and lived a carefree life as a bachelor. He was one of the neatest officers you would ever see at The University of Miami hospital in Miami. All who knew him, loved him for 10 years at this job. While working at the University of Miami, Donnell met a doting woman named Ophelia Florence whom he would later make his everlasting, everloving, crazy about no other, his wife. For 6 years they shared laughter, love for slot machines, music, a little hurt at times but, all in all, wonderful admiration for each other and funny love. “The Blackwells’’, as they loved calling each other settled down in Cordele, GA to live out their beautiful life. They watched out and stuck together like glue in their final years together. If you saw Donnell, you saw Ophelia. This life came to an unexpected screeching halt on 6/15/20.
Donnell was preceded in death by his father Nathaniel Blackwell and Mary Pillows. He leaves to mourn his loving brother, Robert Blackwell and his extraordinary loving sister, Denise Blackwell. His children who loved him and grew up while he was growing up as well are mourning greatly,
Donnell Blackwell Jr. (LaTonya), Thomas Blackwell (Elenora) and Dre’ell. His stepchildren, Osha Florence-Harris (Juamarcus), Freddie Cook and LeAndrew Florence. Grandchildren, Taushay( as he used to joke with her, Taushay Jenkins!!) Donnell III( His Dukka), Dionne (His little angel) Eliza (His mumbler, his baby Doo). Elijah(Boo) Tho’Miya (Miya), Markel, Jahnayah, Jae’Lynne, Jay’Mere,Thomas Jr, Saniyah, Sydney, Alaysia and Senaris. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, loving family and friends. Special note of loving ones he loved, his mother in law, Yvonne his mamma Vonne(JC Towns), brother-in- law Gregory Houser, Andrew Houser,his loving sister-in-law (Nette) Annette Orence, 15 boy,Torrey Houser,Tony Houser,Andre, Stephen Patricia Houser ( his Redd!!) and Vincent Houser. Sweet in-laws, Debbie Flowers and his dance partner Aunt Anne Ruth. The Miramar Comcast family as well.
