Reverend Floyd McKinley Blackwell

The Seasons of Life…In Loving Memories of Dr. Floyd M. Blackwell, Emeritus Sunrise: 8.29.1938 Sunset: 10.31.2019 Inspired by Ecclesiastes 3 Spring - A Time to be Born Reverend Floyd McKinley Blackwell was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on 29 August 1938. He was the youngest of eleven children born to the late Stanley and Sarah Blackwell. At an early age, he confessed his faith in Christ as his Savior and was baptized at the Big Bethel Baptist Church in McKinney, Virginia. After his high school graduation, he moved to Brooklyn, New York where he became active in all aspects of the church and furthered his education. Floyd attended the Virginia Seminary and College in Lynchburg, Virginia where he served on the Board of Trustees. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Masters of Divinity Degree. Later in life, he was bestowed an honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree and received a Doctor of Humane Letter (LHD) from the Maryland School of Religion. Summer - A Time to Love On one Sunday morning at St. John's Baptist Church (Brooklyn, New York), Floyd met the love of his life, Suzanne Strong, who greeted him at the door as part of the hospitality committee. That afternoon, they went to lunch together. Six months later, they embarked upon their romantic journey of a lifetime, and for 59 years it continued. From that "Love Affair," Patricia Annette Watts was born. He was so proud of her 22 years of serving in the U.S. Army with continued service in the Federal Government. With Pat's commitment to the military, they as grandparents contributed to the rearing of their granddaughter Tashonia LaShae "Bone" Blackwell (wife of Ronney Revis). He was the great grandfather of Phoenix Skye Jasmine and Paxton Orion. He was blessed to have the support of his last remaining sibling, Robert Blackwell (wife - Florence Blackwell) of Suffolk, Virginia; and sister-in-laws, Sarah Blackwell (wife of Richard Blackwell) and Evelyn Blackwell (wife of Thomas Blackwell). Autumn - What Profit Hath He that Worth in that Wherein he Laboureth? "Let's Build the Church Spiritually, Morally, Mentally, and Materially." - Dr. Floyd Blackwell Pastor Blackwell was a leader of many institutions, but none were closer to his heart than his service to God at Miracle Temple Baptist Church. In 1976, Rev. Blackwell was called to Pastor at Second Baptist Church. He was sent with a vision to inspire, uplift, and transform. And that he did… With the trust and physical participation of his faithful congregation, Pastor Blackwell joined hands in prayer over the construction site, now known as Miracle Temple Baptist Church, modernizing the church experience for an increase in church population. He invested in the idea of church expansion by purchasing nearby real estate (for additional parking and church activities), acquiring transportation, and re-furnishing the establishment as needed. He pursued technical advances (computer/audio/video) by offering opportunities and training for church members. He praised educational achievements by initiating the FMB Scholarship Fund, hosting reading competitions, and launching a children's church program (to include Bible Study and Vacation Bible School). He encouraged us to engage with the community by leading prayer walks through the neighborhood and embarking on missionary outreach. The congregation named the Fellowship Hall, the "Floyd M Blackwell" Fellowship Hall in honor of his service. Winter - To Everything there is a Season, and a Time to Every Purpose Under the Heaven In 2011, Rev. Blackwell heard God's command and made a decision to transition into the next stage of life. He was honored to have chosen his successor, Apostle Anthony R. Cooper, as Pastor of Miracle Temple Baptist Church. In retirement, he continued to preach throughout the community on many Sundays and officiate various church functions. He was often sought after for advice and counsel. He remained devoted to his family, church family and friends until he went home to be with the Lord. He is survived by McKinley Miller, (wife - Sheryl Miller) and children. He is also survived by the following nieces and nephews: Cynthia, Regina, Faye, and Trina (James); Penny (Lorraine); Ralph, Anthony, and Erica (George); Wanda, Pam, and Gail (Richard); Theodore, Barbara, Diane, and Geraldine (Thomas); Gary Myra, Jay and Trinese (Robert). He has numerous great-nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. "Teach, Preach, Until I Reach Each…" - Dr. Floyd M. Blackwell The Horse Drawn Carriage Procession will leave Miracle Temple Baptist Church at 11:00 am, right turn onto Jefferson Avenue, right onto 48th Street, left onto Roanoke Avenue, and will arrive at Gethsemane Baptist Church to begin the ceremony.

Reverend Floyd McKinley Blackwell

August 29, 1938 - October 31, 2019