Blackford, Helen Mardell (De Long) 1919-2007

BLACKFORD, DE LONG, LYONS

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/3/2008 at 19:20:54

Helen Mardell Blackford was born on May 12, 1919, in Clarke County to Harry De Long and Garland (Lyons) De Long.

She was raised in Madison County and graduated from Peru High School with the Class of 1936. In 1940 she married Harold Banker. To this union three children were born: Lanny, Robert and Donnie.

In 1953 Helen married Harold Blackford. The couple had two children, Steven and Cinda. They made their home in Warren County until moving to Pleasantville in 1962. Helen worked for Homemaker Health Aide for years, retiring in 1972, to take care of Harold who had M.S.

Helen passed away on Feb. 17, 2007, at her home at the age of 87.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Blackford in October of 1988; grandsons, Mike, Mark, and Jerry Banker; her son-in-law, Arlen Mott and great great-granddaughter, Tyra Cratty

Survivors include her children, Lanny Banker of Gaffney, S.C., Robert D. Banker of Sacramento, Calif., Donnie D. Banker of Des Moines, Steven Blackford of Dallas and Cinda Mott of Pleasantville; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 6 great great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Porter of Omaha, Neb. and a brother, Dale De Long of Omaha, Neb. and many other family members and friends.

Funeral services were held at Mason Funeral Home on Feb. 21 with Rev. Jeff Flagg officiating.

Interment was in Pleasantville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family.

The Knoxville Journal Express, March 1, 2007