SIKESTON - Cynthia Louise Blackburn, 85, died at 12:16 p.m. Jan. 1, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.
Born Nov. 20, 1917, in Peach Orchard, Ark., daughter of the late Charles and Grace Kennemur Scott, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston for and had been active in United Methodist Women on all levels in the Missouri East Conference. A member of Circle 7, she served as unit president and as president of the Poplar Bluff-Sikeston District UMW and also served on the Conference Nominating Committee. She was also a 50-year member of Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 137 and member of the Laureate Alpha Eta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi for more than 20 years.
Following World War II, Bertis and Louise Blackburn operated the Cow Bell Restaurant in Sikeston, which was connected to Reiss Dairy and gained national recognition for serving some of the best food between Memphis, Tenn., and St. Louis. They opened their own restaurant, Blackburn's Grill in Sikeston in the 1950s, where she was the primary cook. The restaurant became a landmark. Following her retirement, she was appointed kitchen director at her church where she was responsible for managing the operation of the kitchen for virtually every meal served. She continued working in this capacity from 1974 to 2001.
On Aug. 28, 1935, at Kennett, she married Bertis DeRandolph Blackburn who preceded her in death on July 23, 1975.
Survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, Bertis Donald and Kay Blackburn of Sikeston; one brother, Charles L. Scott of Summerville, S.C.; three sisters, Charlene Samon of Troy, Mo., Mary Dean Hughes of Little Rock, Ark., and Phyllis Boatner of Molalla, Ore; one grandson and wife, Ronald Wayne and Lisa Blackburn of Sikeston; two great-grandchildren, Micah and Holly Blackburn of Sikeston; and several nieces and nephews, including Novona Canady of Poplar Bluff.
One sister also preceded her in death.
Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Blanchard Funeral Chapel.
Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bill Koch, pastor, and the Rev. Sandra Schaller, associate pastor, officiating.
Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be: Paul Barozzo, Ryan Barozzo, Jim Mills, Larry Nickell, Pat Jones and Allen Crites.
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Memorial contributions may be sent to:
the First United Methodist Church 1307 N. Main St. Sikeston, Mo. 63801
Paid obituary