Mary Beth Blackwell

On Thursday, July 7, 2022, Mary Beth Blackwell gained her wings, but she left a legacy behind. She lived a good life with 81 years of beautiful memories. A loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandma, aunt, friend and although she only birthed two children, she raised hundreds. She loved everyone and put her heart into helping many people. She was a caregiver who wanted to help children and people in need to make a difference… She enjoyed family, children, cooking, sewing, quilting, reading, animals and giving to the community.

Mary Beth Blackwell was born August 1, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee in Shelby County to Eleanor Rhea Landis and John Charles Schroll Sr. and was one of four siblings: Dorothy Schroll, John Schroll Jr., Robin Landis.

She was already a natural caregiver from an early age. Even though times were hard, she took care of her family when her mother had pneumonia and she tried to help in any way she could, from cooking and cleaning to taking care of her family.

Education was especially important to her; she was a consistent honor roll student. She attended Amarillo High. Ms. Blackwell studied at Amarillo College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from West Texas State University.

She was married to Bobby Wood Blackwell on September 2, 1964. She gave birth to Elizabeth Anne Blackwell in 1965 and Bonnie Carol Blackwell in1968. She started her career as a teacher and then became a social worker for CPS, where she rescued children from bad situations. For many years she was the Director of Opportunity House, for struggling teens in Amarillo, Texas. She had a heart of gold and as a diligent worker she shaped a lot of lives for the better. She was never judgmental, and it was inspiring to see how she handled teens with love. She always had the best solutions to problems and handled herself with such dignity, patience, composure, and kindness, yet firmness.

Later in life, she volunteered at the Quilt Museum of Golden, Colorado. She made quilts with her students, who came from all over the world. She really enjoyed making quilts for countless people’s families for their memorials. Some of her quilts are still hanging in the museum today.

Her cooking was heavenly, and she made more food in a day than most make in a week, and it was so good. Her grandkids and great grandkids loved to come over to help her cook, bake, and knead dough while listening to her amazing stories about her childhood, children, siblings, husband, saving children, work at the children’s home, and the quilt museum. She had quite some amazing stories! She was a true treasure.

Those left behind to cherish those memories are her children, Elizabeth Austin and husband Doug, and Bonnie Blackwell; grandchildren, Amanda and Kim Van Overmeeren; six great-grands, Idaia, Aimon, Aaron, Keeley, Hunter, and Nicola. Additional survivors include a brother John Schroll, and two sisters Robin Landis and Dorothy McGary.

We are saying goodbye to Mary Beth on July 12, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Crossroads Country Church, 14425 FM 1541 South Washington, Amarillo, Texas 79118.

3 Comments

  1. Fam Van Overmeeren- Decock

    We got to know Mary Beth a few years ago as a warm, jovial and hospitable woman. We were looking forward to meeting her again in September, unfortunately this is no longer possible.
    Mary Beth our thoughts will be with you at your funeral.
    Blessings to all the family
    Johan & Alice

  2. Amanda Van Overmeeren

    Grandma you meant the world to me. You taught me so much over the years and I’m forever grateful. I will cherish the precious memories and make you proud by being even half the woman you were . It will not be the same with out you. The holidays I will miss you the most because we always spent them together cooking. You have and always will have a special place in my heart. I don’t know how to live without you . My heart is broken but I will focus on what’s ahead because I know that’s what you would want and I want you to be proud. I love you so much. You made everyday special . I will miss your stories and how helpful you always were . You use to give the shirt off your back . I will miss going shopping with you. I will miss your cooking. I’ll miss your humor. I miss that we were so close and I would always be able to ask your advice. I love how you were there anytime I needed you. You always looked at the bright side of life . You prepared me for the world grandma and I hope I make you proud .

  3. Anonymous

    Many good memories of my Aunt B. She truly had a good heart & a fun spirit. A rather intense card player as well.
    Via con dios B…see you next time around!

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