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Minnie Mae Murray (affectionately known as "Nikki") was promoted to heaven on December 25, 2022, in Tulsa, OK, after having lived a remarkable life as a mother, mentor, and professional. Minnie was born to Grady and Ruby Murray on July 25, 1946, in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, as the second of three children. Her family migrated to Duluth, MN in 1950, where her father worked on the railroad and mother was a seamstress and ran a boarding house for soldiers. Her older brother, Lawrence, was an exceptional athlete and after graduation joined and served in the United States Air Force until honorably discharged. After discharge he then worked as a civilian contractor to the Air Force until retirement. Minnie was an excellent student and enjoyed competitive speed skating in her youth. It was here in Duluth that she met John Blackwell Jr. and the two were married at the Duluth Air Base Chapel (currently known as the Duluth Air National Guard) on July 3, 1964. As husband and wife they welcomed John Blackwell III (Dec. 1964) and James Curtis Blackwell (July 1966) Minnie left Duluth to go to Washington D.C. where she joined the staff of former Minnesota Senate civil rights champion and then Vice President, Hubert Humphry as his personal executive assistant. Upon completion of President Johnson's term in office Minnie relocated to Detroit to reunite with her husband and sons. Choosing the "Downriver" area of Metro Detroit (fondly referred to as "South Detroit" for music lovers) she began to put down roots. After a number of years John and Minnie chose to part. Later while participating in a work project Minnie was introduced to Wallace Jackson where they would bond over their shared experiences of working in DC. Together they would welcome a son, Jason K Jackson (Jan. 1977). As her boys grew, Minnie was tireless in providing for them. She commuted over an hour each way to work every day for over 20 years until her retirement. Those years were spent working as a Payroll Supervisor for the Huron Clinton Metro-park Authority where she was able to bless and mentor many of her colleagues and peers. Minnie had a passionate love for the Lord, her family, and music. One could often hear her singing her beloved hymn, "It is Well with My Soul". She taught (piano) and Sunday school classes for many years along the way. Her heart for service would lead her to open her home to foster children for nearly 10 years, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many children who would have otherwise been left to the system. Throughout the years, many of her children's friends would come to often refer to her as "Mom," to which she was happy to receive. Never wanting to be far from her boys, now young men; in later life Minnie relocated to Tulsa, OK, where she was able to spend her final years visiting grandchildren and continuing to foster those in need. Minnie is preceded in death by Grady Murray, Ruby Murray, Lawrence Murray, and adopted sister, Charmaine Murray. She is also preceded in death by ex-husband John Blackwell Jr. and Wallace Jackson. Surviving children in remembrance: John (Brenda) and Curtis (Daynette) Blackwell. Jason (Kenya) Jackson. Surviving grandchildren: Brionna (Joseph) Blackwell- Barksdale, Brittani Blackwell, Blake Blackwell, Adrian (Autumn) Parker, Armand (Joey) Blackwell -ValThomas, Sian Blackwell, Chandler McCall, Jean-Pascal Gotze, Joshua Blackwell, Jonathan Blackwell, Arielle Martin, Trenton Jackson, Taryn Jackson, Tye Jackson and countless others adopted into her family as sons and daughters as well as dear friends around the world.

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Minnie Mae Blackwell

July 25, 1946 - December 25, 2022