Jewell Blackwell

JEWELL ASKEW BLACKWELL, known to many as “Baby Ruth”, was born on June 1, 1935 in Lewiston, North Carolina to John and Julia Askew. She departed this life on August 30, 2022. At an early age, her family relocated to Baltimore, MD where she attended the Baltimore City Public School System and was baptized at Fountain Baptist Church. At Fountain Baptist Church at an early age, she received Christ as her Lord and Savior. Jewell went on to attend Dunbar High School where she developed an interest in softball, baseball and football. She played softball for Dunbar High School. Jewell also became very knowledgeable in football and baseball while also working at Reads Drug Store in conjunction with high school responsibilities. Academically, she was consistently on the Honor Roll receiving a Senatorial Scholarship. After high school, Jewell married Harold L. Blackwell Sr., from this union there were four children. Jewell excelled in several venues because of her diligence and attention to detail during her work career. She applied her God given talents while working at the Municipal Building Taxation Office. Jewell worked for the Department of Social Services; she later became supervisor and manager of the Income Maintenance Division in Catonsville, MD and Towson, MD where she retired. Jewell was very outspoken and a strong-willed person who at times could make you question your own trivia and knowledge. There was not a topic that Jewell was not debatable; that’s why she loved the TV series “Perry Mason” and” Matlock”. Jewell instilled as much as she could in regards to confidence and working, stating, “No Work, No Eat”. She could be brutally tough but it made us stronger. Jewell did not beat around the bush, she instilled confidence regardless of the endeavors or challenges you faced. Jewell was not just a teacher; she was a gem, a “Jewel”. Her love, caring, devotion and “Unselfish Giving” was unprecedented like no other. This quality required her energy and love. Jewell leaves behind a tremendous legacy of love, sacrifice and giving to others. She will truly be missed. Jewell was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Sr., daughter, Darlene, son in law, David, also her sisters, Vernestine, Evelyn and Lizzy as well as 2 brothers John and Teddy. She leaves to mourn her children, Harold (daughter in law Terri), Joy, Darren (daughter-in-law Rebecca), sister Lavinia, brother Whylon, sisters-in-law Gwen and Gloria, a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, 7 grandchildren- Danny, Ryan, Justin, Cory, Darren, Derek, Darelle, 4 great grandchildren, numerous friends and colleagues.

Tributes

Jewell Blackwell

June 1, 1935 - August 30, 2022