Lula Belle Blackwell, 83, of Brookview Healthcare Center, formerly of Cherry Street, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, in Upstate Carolina Medical Center.

Born in Gaffney, Miss Blackwell was a daughter of the late Robert Zachary ("R.Z.") Thomas Blackwell and Jossie White Blackwell. She was of the Baptist faith and was retired from Musgrove Mills. She loved and was dearly loved by her sister and many nieces and nephews.

Surviving are her sister, Barbara Kirby, of Spartanburg and many nieces and nephews.

Miss Blackwell was preceded in death by three brothers, Ervin Blackwell, Dean Blackwell and Ken Blackwell, and three sisters, Virgie Garrett, Mary Wyatt and Leona McCraw.

Visitation was held Sunday, Sept. 14, from 1:15-2:15 p.m. at Shuford-Hatcher Funeral Home at Frederick Memorial Gardens. Graveside services were at 3 p.m. in New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Earl, N.C., with the Rev. David Toney officiating.

Pallbearers were Billy Wyatt, Leonard Wyatt, Mike Blackwell, Tony Kirby, Phil McCraw and Michael Martin.

Family members are at their respective homes.

It is respectfully suggested that any memorial contributions be made to the Cherokee County Humane Society, P.O. Box 223, Gaffney, S.C. 29342.

Arrangements by Shuford- Hatcher Funeral Home.