Virginia Ann Blackwell

Virginia was born to Oby and Ruby Taylor Rogers in Williamsburg, Mississippi, on June 4, 1932. She was welcomed by her sister, Grace Helen and her brother, Harlan, and completed their family. As her parents were teachers, she attended school in the communities where her parents were teaching. Attending different schools gave her the confidence to attend Mississippi State College for Women in north Mississippi after graduating from Purvis High School. After graduating from MSCW in 1954 with a degree in Home Economics, she taught in several schools and made life-long friends with her fellow teachers and students at Seminary High School. Virginia married Robert Edward (Eddie) Blackwell, Jr. on November 26, 1960, and they Welcomed their only Child, Nina Lynn, in October 1961. Virginia was a devoted mother and also supported Eddie in owning and operating several local businesses. She also supported Eddie in his role as Mayor of Collins for twelve years, and when he died suddenly before his fourth term Mayor began, she served as the interim Mayor. Virginia was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Collins for more than sixty years and volunteered in many capacities. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed flower gardening. She enjoyed spending time with her family and with her friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Edward Blackwell Jr.; her parents, Oby and Ruby Taylor Rogers; one brother, Dr. Harlan B. Rogers; and one sister, Grace Helen Rogers Parker. Survivors include her daughter, Nina Lynn Blackwell Wesley, and her husband, Mark of Owasso, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, Lauryl Lynn Wesley Pingel and her husband, Ben of Owasso, Oklahoma, and Logan Mark Wesley of St. Louis, Missouri; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Collins for Virginia Ann Rogers Blackwell, 93 of Owasso, Oklahoma and formerly of Collins, who passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the St. Simeon`s Assisted Living Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Hal Hood, Mrs. Nina Blackwell Wesley, and Mrs. Nan Parker Wilson will officiate at the services with interment to follow in the Collins City Cemetery in Collins. Special music will be provided by Mrs. Dianne Speed. Billy M. King-Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Collins will be in charge of the arrangements. The family will receive guests from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Billy M. King-Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 3202 Highway 49, Collins, MS., and from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Collins, 303 South 4th Street, Collins, MS. Pallbearers will be Logan Wesley, Oby Rogers, Bernie Rogers, Doug Rogers, Dr. Joey Rogers, and Ted Parker. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Collins, P.O. Box 997, Collins, Mississippi, 39428.

Virginia Ann Blackwell

June 4, 1932 - November 15, 2025