Obituary of Lelia Jeanne Blackwell

Lelia Jeanne Blackwell of Melbourne, passed away on August 1, 2022. She was born in Sea Bright, NJ, on January 27, 1943. Raised by a military family, and serving later herself, she called many places home; NJ, VA, AZ, CO, CA, AL, and even Germany, before finally calling Florida home in 1988. In 1962, while stationed at Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA, she met the love of her life, married, and started a family. She was a member of the Debate Club in high school, a U.S. Army Veteran, a cancer survivor, a member of The Society of Decorative Painters - National Chapter, and the Brevard Brush Strokes in Melbourne.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Edward and Patricia Mae Dunnington, sister Patricia Anne Walker, brother Thomas Edward Dunnington II, and great-grandson Lincoln James Brouillette. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Tommy; children Scott (Anne-Gaelle) Blackwell, James (Angela) Blackwell, and Denise (Matthew) Thompson; grandchildren Michael (Alyssa) Brouillette, Tyler Thompson, Ian Blackwell, Gage Thompson, Joshua Blackwell, James Blackwell, Caitlyn Blackwell, and Ennis Blackwell; and great-grandchildren Cohen, Easton,Elijah, and Mylah; as well as 4 nieces; 5 nephews; and countless unofficial kids from over the years.

Services will be held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery5525 US-1, Mims, Florida 32754 on September 9th at 12:00 P.M. in Lane A. Business casual dress requested. A Celebration of Life will begin at 4:00 P.M. at The VVB Bunker at 2401 Post Road, Melbourne, Florida 32935. Flowers may be sent to 1949 Fillmore Avenue, Melbourne, Florida 32935. Donations to The American Cancer Society are welcomed in lieu of flowers.