Shirley Elaine Blackwell

Elaine Blackwell passed joyfully into the world beyond on March 9, 2025.

Of course, Elaine was also happy being among the living, watching Supenatural, Psych, Rachel Maddow, and God knows what else with her feline housemates Scout, Pepper, and George. She loved helping her kids and grandkids in any way she could and laughing at them when they found her ways embarrassing. She enjoyed sharing an interest in everything they did. Elaine was crafty–in her witty sarcasms and in the arts of creating and cooking. Her stinging sarcastic stories made us laugh. Actually, just her laugh made us laugh. She was an all around joy and a hoot to be with. Perhaps that’s why some of her grandchildren called her Who Hoo. She was creative. All of us have a blanket or hat or something she crocheted, a pair of salad tongs or something else useful that she decorated with stones and wire, or whatever other craft she was into. The homeless had many of her creations as well, as Elaine cared about those who were hurting outside her circle as much as she cared about those of us within it. Her food was well-renowned in the family for being excellent; she was always trying new recipes. Whenever family visited, she always planned a special meal for them and cooked it over at her daughter Carrie’s house where the family tended to gather. Elaine made sure she got the most out of life.

When the Beatles came to Olympia Stadium in Detroit in 1964 she was there. When the first black man became president in 2009, she went to Washington D.C. and stood there happily freezing and cheering as President Obama went by. But life also waged many battles against Elaine, the same ones we all contend with–health and wealth, human meanness, and frustration with injustice–but those things never, ever beat her down. Always Elaine rose up against life’s BS with a smile and a wickedly funny remonstration.

So although in death she will miss us as much as we who still live will miss her, we can’t think she is sad to be gone. On the contrary, we are certain she passed into this next phase with alacrity, because life ultimately lost its battle against Elaine. Those of us who knew her well know that when her body fell, her spirit rose victoriously, finally able in every way to be who she always unequivocally was: a free spirit. We love to think of her, unfettered by human greed, wickedness, and disease, soaring freely through the joys and beauties of wherever spirits go when they pass from this world.

Still tethered to earth are some of those who will always love and miss her: son Larry (Charmie), her daughter Carrie. Grandchildren, Sierra, Zachary (Jacquie), Macy, Stewart and Maria. Brothers Gary, Ronnie and Brian. Brother-in-law Brad (Jeanette), niece Jenny (Sam), nephews Sean and Christopher. And her sister-in-law Joan (Lloyd) who, having known Elaine since she was 4, loved her as a true sister.

Do not rest in peace, Elaine. Instead soar high and joyfully through the afterlife, and, whenever you think of us, laugh mysteriously in our ears as you glide happily by.