Elizabeth Blackwell

Elizabeth (Libby) Rhea Baker Blackwell
October 30, 1946 - August 18, 2025

Elizabeth (Libby) Rhea Baker Blackwell, age 78, of Cornelius, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in her home on August 18, 2025.

Libby was born in Lancaster, South Carolina, on October 30, 1946, to the late Wendall and Sara Baker.  She was preceded in death by her life partner and soulmate, Jerald Long; her twin sister, Evelyn Harper; and her brothers, Wayne Baker and Gibson Baker.

She is survived by her son, Gerald "Butch" Blackwell, Jr., and his wife Len; her daughter, Jill Lantz, and her husband Jeremy; her beloved granddaughters, Alexandria and Avery Lantz; and her former husband, Gerald Blackwell.

Libby was a devoted mother and grandmother who poured her love into her family and extended kindness and grace to everyone she met.  Her smile could light up a room and warm every heart it touched.  She never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand and an open heart.  

Libby grew up in Lancaster, South Carolina, and graduated with honors from high school in 1965.  She attended the University of South Carolina-Lancaster for two years before transferring to Winthrop University in 1967.  That same year, at age 21, she married and continued her studies, earning her undergraduate degree in education.

Following graduation, Libby began her teaching career at Clinton Elementary and Brooklyn Springs Elementary in Lancaster, where her love for children flourished.  In September 1969, she became a mother, welcoming her son Butch, and in January 1973, her daughter Jill.  While raising her two children and continuing to teach first and second grade, she also pursued her master's degree in education at Winthrop University, which she proudly completed in 1975.

In the early 1980s, Libby and her family moved to Clemmons, North Carolina, where she continued teaching first and second grade at Cooleemee Elementary School for more than ten years.  Her teaching career spanned 25 years - 15 in South Carolina and 10 in North Carolina - touching countless young lives.  Her students and colleagues remember her as an inspiring mentor whose compassion and dedication made a lasting impact.

In 1991, Libby embarked on a new adventure, living for a year in The Netherlands along the North Sea.  She later returned to North Carolina, settling near Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, before also spending time in Alabama and Colorado during the 1990s.  North Carolina called her home once again in 2003, when she joyfully became a grandmother with the birth of Alexandria Lantz.  As "Nannie," Libby dedicated her love, time, and teaching talents to her granddaughters.  She affectionately called Alexandria her "Precious Angel" and, after Avery's birth in 2009, dubbed her "Precious Princess."  Avery soon renamed her beloved grandmother simply "Nan."

Libby became a member of New Beginnings Moravian Church in the mid-2000s after attending her first Christmas Eve Lovefeast.  For more than 20 years, her church became her spiritual home and family.  Libby's faith was unwavering; she remained steadfast and grateful through every challenge, living as a good and faithful servant of God.

In 2015, Libby met Jerald Long, her life partner, with whom she shared many joyful years in Cornelius, North Carolina.  More recently, she moved to Admiral's Quarters, a beautiful condominium overlooking Lake Norman, where she found peace, friendship, and happiness.

Libby was deeply devoted to her family and cherished every moment spent with them.  Her favorite vacations were always those where she could relax with her feet in the sand and a good book in hand.  From childhood, she loved visiting Myrtle Beach, and throughout the years, she spent many joyful summer weeks with her family along the shores of South and North Carolina.  Yet, Myrtle Beach always held a special place in her heart - her true home away from home.  The ocean brought her a sense of peace and immeasurable joy.

While Libby loved the warmth of summertime and the gentle ocean breeze, her favorite holiday was Christmas.  Her deep faith and love for celebrating the birth of our Savior made her eyes sparkle with delight at the sound of holiday music, the glow of festive lights, and most of all, the joy of giving.  Libby poured her heart into finding the perfect gifts for her loved ones.  She never wanted anything for herself - her greatest happiness came from seeing the smiles and excitement of her family as they opened their presents.  

Libby will be dearly missed by her many friends, both old and new - and deeply missed by her family.  She was a true companion, selfless and strong, a fearless woman whose abundant love, grace, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Memorial donations in Libby's honor may be made to New Beginnings Moravian Church (Huntersville, NC).

The Blackwell family is under the care of Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.KepnerFH.com.