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The Life of C. ELAINE BLACKBURN

C. ELAINE BLACKBURN 

January 5, 1940 - March 10, 2023

Elaine Blackburn was born Carlotta Elaine Dickerson in Pittsburgh, PA on January 5, 1940. She spent her early childhood in the Perrysville neighborhood of the Northside with her mother, Ellen Dickerson (Fowler), her father Louis Dickerson and 3 older siblings. One of her favorite things to do as a little girl was to pick blueberries with her sister and then beg her mom to make a blueberry pie. As a child, Elaine was known for her warm smile, ready laugh, and a heart for generosity.  From a young age she was a champion of the “underdog”, and she was beloved by all for her welcoming and comforting spirit.

Elaine moved with her family to Varney Street in Ross Township where she spent most of her pre-teen and early teen years. During this time, she began to grow many of the skills that would define her professional life such as typing, shorthand, organizing, and bookkeeping. More importantly, it was then as a 15-year-old girl that she met her future husband, Arthur Blackburn Jr. Elaine and Art married in 1957 and spent a total of nearly 68 years together.

Elaine finished her schooling at Westinghouse High School. At Westinghouse, Elaine was a member of the student counsel and served as class secretary. She was a proud Westinghouse graduate of the class of 1958. Her closest friendships through life have carried over from her school days and are testament to her loyalty, and commitment to those who she loves.

As a wife and young mother of two boys, Elaine was kept busy stitching cloths and sewing new clothes for family members. She also embraced the outdoors. Elaine could be found, gardening, horseback riding, and camping. She loved to spend time with her family and was always ready to cook up someone’s favorite meal or dessert.

Elaine went on to have a long career as an administrative assistant. Starting first at Children’s Hospital. She went on to work for more than 15 years at Westinghouse Electric Corporation and later worked for Pastor Jason A. Barr as the executive assistant to the Sr. Pastor at Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh. Elaine was also a member at Macedonia for more than 40 years and served as a Deacon leading the companionship ministry for many years.

Elaine and Art bought their first home and raised their family in the Forest Hills area of Pittsburgh. The last 36 years they have lived in their home in White Oak, PA where Elaine became an amateur bird watcher and started a part time business as a floral designer.

Elaine loved the Lord and remained steadfast in the word. She was as committed to her prayer life as she was to her family. She graduated from the Harty Bible School in 1975. She kept a bible by her side everywhere she sat in the house, all worn at the edges and annotated by her.

Elaine leaves to cherish her memory her husband Art Blackburn Jr, sons Mark Blackburn (Theresa), Jeffery Blackburn (Susan), a sister Delores Williams, 5 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren as well as many extended family members and close friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Ellen Dickerson, father Louis Dickerson, brother Jayphus Dickerson, and sister Aurelia Dickerson.

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