Mary Catherine (Kathy) Kanipe Blackwell, wife of Dr. Michael C. Blackwell, Sr., died Wednesday, September 18 at age 78. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Blackwell was fiercely loyal to family and friends and was an advocate for those struggling beneath the weight of hardship and despair. Her faith guided a life-long commitment to partnering in ministry with her husband, who served Baptists in multiple church ministries and as president of Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) for 40 years.
Kathy Blackwell was born on Monday, November 5, 1945, in Winston-Salem to Mildred and Jack Kanipe. She met the love of her life, Michael, in the summer of 1965 while both worked at Charlotte radio station Big WAYS. She often recalled, “Michael and I met over the Xerox machine.”
The couple married on Saturday, August 12, 1967, and recently celebrated 57 years together. The inscription in their wedding bands reads: “Each for the other and both for God.”
Blackwell is the mother of their children, Julie and Michael, Jr., and the proud grandmother of Gabriella Curtis and Sam Curtis. She was a passionate educator and learner, receiving a two-year secretarial science degree from Brevard College and a degree in psychology from High Point University.
After moving to Thomasville in 1983, Kathy Blackwell’s attention turned to undergirding her husband’s work on behalf of children and families. She often expressed her love for the children, families, and residents BCH serves, and for the staff who give of themselves in ministry. This generous spirit was indicative of her life well lived.
Blackwell passed away peacefully with her husband and family by her side.
Written by Jim Edminson, Editor of Charity & Children