Celeste Carson Blackburn

Blackburn Hamptonville - Celeste Carson Blackburn, 96, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 1, 2016. She was born May 3, 1920 in Iredell County to the late Henry Harold Blackburn and Daisy Carson Blackburn. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sisters, Vivian Smith, Cora Lee Sturdivant, Helen Blackburn, Dorothy Evella Foote; brothers, Newman Blackburn, Gilvin Blackburn, James Blackburn, and Harold Blackburn. Celeste found her passion for teaching after graduating from Morningside High School in Statesville. She earned a Bachelor's of Science degree from Winston Salem Teachers College (WSSU). Most of her graduate work was done at A&T College and N.C. Central. She found her real true passion for teaching as a student teacher in college and turned into a full time position with the Iredell County School System that had nurtured her own budding interest in education. For those who knew her, she will be remembered for her tenacity, warmth, and dedication. She was a no-nonsense kind of teacher who had high expectations, relished the gifts she saw in students and drew on those gifts to enhance learning. Through this skill she was able to be a major organizer in the church choir. She loved her church, cherished her family and we are all better off for having known her. She is survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family members. Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 7, 2016 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church by the Rev. Tyrone Redmon and the Rev. Reggie Redmon. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2016 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Online condolences can be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Blackburn family.