Ila Blackburn

Ila Mae Blackburn of McGregor died Sunday, June 14, 2015, at the age of 100. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, June 18, 2015, at First United Methodist Church, 500 S. Madison, McGregor with Rev. Rebecca Hull officiating. Interment will follow in McGregor Cemetery under the direction of Grace Gardens Funeral Home, 8220 Woodway Dr. Waco, Texas. Visitation will be 6 to 8 P.M. Wednesday at Grace Gardens Funeral Home.
Mrs. Blackburn was born August 25, 1914, in McGregor, Texas, the daughter of the late George Frank and Lucy Ann Gertrude (Farmer) Dawson where she graduated from McGregor High School on June 2, 1933. On December 25, 1939, she married Harry Lewis Blackburn in McGregor. After forty-six years of marriage, Harry preceded her in death January 31, 1986. After living in San Angelo, she returned to McGregor in 1947.
For many years, she and Harry owned and operated Blackburn’s Varity and Plumbing in McGregor. On March 30, 2002, she retired at the age of 88. Throughout her life, she enjoyed various types of crafts including quilting, crocheting and sewing. She also enjoyed traveling and has seen most of North America. She had a great love for the Texas Rangers.
After joining First United Methodist Church of McGregor in 1942, she was the oldest member of the church. Ila Mae taught in the Children’s Department for many years and was a supporter of the United Methodist Women.
Also preceding her in death was a brother, J.D. Dawson; two sisters, Letha Meadows and Frankie Lee Johnson.
Survivors include two daughters, Joyce Morris of McGregor, Cynthia Alexander and husband Bob Coday of Frisco; a sister, Bobbie Graham West and husband Wayne of Waco; a granddaughter, Lisa Guest and Husband David of Waco; Sister-in-law, Velda Blackburn; numerous nieces and nephews; a grandkitty Clancy; two great granddogs, Bailey and Zarah.
Active Casketbearers will be Bob Coday, Scott Fitzek, William Gayle, Mike Graham, David Guest and Ray Meadows. Honorary casketbearers will be Doug Meadows and Joe Meadows. ¬¬¬¬
For those desiring, the family has suggested First United Methodist Church, 500 S. Madison St., McGregor, Texas 76657 or McGregor Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 192, McGregor, Texas 76657, for memorial contributions.