Our "Mommy" Elizabeth Anne Vavra Blackwell died peacefully while surrounded by her children and grandchildren on July 17, 2012. She was born September 19, 1914 in the Birch Community in Burleson County, Texas to the late Frank Vavra and Johnna Popek Vavra. Her family was her entire life. At the age of 65 she proudly achieved her GED from Bay City High School. In her later years she enjoyed travel with her sisters.

She was preceded in death by her husband Julian W. Blackwell, infant son Thomas Frank Blackwell, stepdaughter Ruth Varga and Grandson Cole Watson. Survivors include daughters Bettye Jo Lowry & husband Lacey, Minnie Waddell & husband Bobby and Susan Carr & husband Frank; son Luther Wayne Blackwell & wife Patsy; stepson Julian Blackwell & Wife Carol; sister Alma McKissick; sisters-in-law Wilma Vavra & Geneva Jensen; 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 18 great-great grandchildren.

A rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Mass will be 1:00 pm Friday, July 20, 2012 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Greg Korenek officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Scott Lowry, Kevin Watson, Nathan Carr, Garret Gann, John Kowis and Edward Vavra. Please make memorials in her name to Holy Cross School; 2001 Katy; Bay City, TX 77414.