Mary Frances Blackwelder

Mary Frances Blackwelder, a long-time resident of Frostproof, Florida, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at Good Shepherd Hospice in Sebring. She was born in Valdosta, Georgia on April 7, 1944 to Robert and Estelle Conine, and they moved to Frostproof when she was one month old. Mary Frances graduated in 1962 from Frostproof High School, where she played on the girls basketball team.

On June 30, 1963 she married her husband of 63 years, Larry, by whom she is survived, along with her sons, Alan Blackwelder and Shawn Blackwelder, and her daughter-in-law, Cheryl.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Joshua Blackwelder and his wife, Leyann; Savanna Blackwelder; and Elena Blackwelder; along with her great-grandson, Dexter Blackwelder; as well as her sister, Reba Piller and husband, Tom; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary Frances was preceded in death by her parents, her aunt, Ethell Lambeth, her sister, Ruby Mathews, and her daughter-in-law, Lorey Meadows Blackwelder.

Mary Frances was a long-time employee of Frostproof Elementary School, where she worked alongside many of her closest friends as a secretary and data specialist. As an active member of First Baptist Church of Frostproof, she served over the years in various roles: as Sunday School Secretary, Children’s Church Preschool Leader, Bus Route Assistant, in the Homebound Ministry, and in the Prayer Ministry. She had a deep love of God and a desire to serve so that others might know the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

A service will be held in her memory at First Baptist Church of Frostproof on Saturday, November 14, 2026 led by the Rev. Darroll Hood and the Rev. Shawn Blackwelder. It will be followed by interment at Silver Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to:

First Baptist Church

375 N. Oak Ave.

Frostproof, FL 33843