SHERMAN, Texas — Ruby Thomasine Furr Blackwell, 83, of Sherman, Texas, and formerly of Oklahoma City, passed away on Oct. 20, 2009, at Dallas LTAC Hospital.

Born and raised in Picayune, Miss., she married her high school sweetheart John Blackwell in August 1947. She was his lifelong companion and supporter and loving mother to their three children. She was loved and cherished by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and leaves behind many fond memories of her grace, poise and loving kindness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Ryals Furr and Ruby Thornhill Furr, and her husband, John Hollie Blackwell, Jr.

Survivors include two daughters, Virginia Brooks of Howe, Texas, and Charlotte Solnok of Tulsa, Okla.; one son, John Blackwell of Monmouth, Ore.; three sisters, Christine Carsley of Madison, Iva Loy Chambers of Hattiesburg, and Charleen Schrock of Picayune; a brother, David A. Furr of Monroe, La.; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Grand Avenue Presbyterian Church of Sherman, Texas.

Memorials may be made to the Seed Sowers Ministry of McKinney, Texas (www.seedsowersministry.org) or a charity of your choice.