Bertha Melba Blackard

Mrs. Bertha Melba Blackard, age 96, of Stuart, passed away Wednesday, December 05, 2018 at her home.  She was born in Patrick County on March 6, 1922 to the late Amos Reed Clifton and Anna Lea Cruise Clifton.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Horace Blackard; a daughter-in-law, Linda Jean East Blackard; and six sisters, Nellie Clifton, Minnie Mitchell, Reva Key, Dora Hawkins, Clarice Dempsey, and Elma Hazelwood.  Mrs. Blackard had retired from J.P. Stevens and was a member of the Stuart Church of Christ in Dry Pond.

            Surviving are two sons and a daughter-in-law, Aaron and Nellie Blackard of Stuart, Donnie Blackard of Madison, NC; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two sisters, Lucy Nowlin of Stuart, Cora Hazelwood of Stuart; and one brother, Thomas Clifton of Ararat, NC.

            A graveside service will be held Friday, December 7, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Patrick Memorial Gardens with Brother David Lewis officiating.  The family will receive friends Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart and at other times at her home, 537 Horace Lane, Stuart, VA.  Online condolences may be sent to www.moodyfuneralservices.com.