Shirley Ann Blackmer's Obituary
Shirley Ann Blackmer, age 80, passed away at home on Thursday, December 2, 2021. She was born on June 8, 1941 to James and Jessie Mae (Privitt) Travis in Henderson, NC.
Shirley grew up out on Long Island in Moriches, New York where she lived with her mother and sisters from a young age. She attended Eastport High School and sang in the church choir every Sunday. After graduation from high school she joined the WAC Detachment of the Army in 1959. Met the love of her life by chance in Columbia South Carolina. And after a proposal and very brief courtship of three dates, they were married Dec 19 1959, and spent the next 61 years together. They raised 4 daughters, have 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was an avid fisherwoman, golfer, Chicago Bears Fan, enjoyed camping, reading, crossword puzzles, playing Yahtzee, and crafting. She collected, Chefs, Willow Trees and St Nicholas Square Christmas houses and proudly displayed them all year long. She was the giver of hugs, the keeper of secrets, the maker of Chocolate Chip Cookies, the supplier of Klondike bars, the planter of Avocado pits and the holder of paper towels.
She is survived by the love of her life Charles Blackmer along with 4 daughters, Deborah (Ron) Thompson, Shirley (Robert) Witte, Michele Gannon and Rená (Ben) Chartier; 8 grandchildren, John Baker, Josh Baker, Abbey (Jake) Sachteleben, Nicole (Jaime) Ayala, Kyle (Toni) Witte, Trenton Gannon, Steven Chartier and Tucker Chartier; 11 great-grandchildren, Bryson, Brayley, Easton, Jericho, Justice, Raegan, Karsen, Xavier, Odin, Liam, and baby Sachteleben. Her sister Virginia (Chuck) Taylor of Pensacola, Florida. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents James and Jessie Mae Travis, 2 brothers Buster and Vincent, and 3 sisters Mildred, Betty, Willie Sue (Teny). Following her wishes cremation has taken place and there will not be any services at this time. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?