11/20/2025
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. —
Psalm 116:15
On November 20, 2025, Nelda Seal Blackwell, age 81, of Pearl River, Louisiana, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Nelda lived her life as a true servant of Jesus Christ. A devoted member of Pine Grove United Pentecostal Church, she poured herself wholeheartedly into ministry in every season of her life. She sang for many years in the beloved “Ladies Trio,” blessing both her church and community with her gift of music. In her later years, she led a nursing home ministry that became one of the great joys of her life—bringing hope, comfort, and the love of God to those she served.
Outside of her family, God was her life. Nelda worshiped with unwavering faithfulness, attending church services, yearly camp meeting at the Louisiana District UPCI Campgrounds, and countless conferences throughout the years. She lived to honor the Lord, and her devotion was evident in everything she did.
A gifted writer at heart, Nelda fulfilled her lifelong dream by authoring three books. She also wrote songs, plays, poems, and many articles for various Pentecostal publications. Her words inspired many and reflected the depth of her faith and the warmth of her spirit.
As a homemaker, she created a peaceful, loving refuge for her husband and their four children—always opening her heart and home to their friends and extended family. Her home was a place of kindness, laughter, encouragement, and prayer.
Nelda is survived by the love of her life for 63 years, Whitt Blackwell; her children and their spouses: Whitt Arlin & Lillian Blackwell, Veronda & Charles Gaines, Uel & Kacie Blackwell, and Verlon & Arlette Blackwell; thirteen beloved grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Dorothy Kennedy and Martha Lou Singletary, one sister-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family who cherished her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Burrell and Nora Seal; her siblings Vardaman Seal, Verna Tarver, Vera Spiers, Velma Frazier, Virgil Seal, Venson Seal, Vernell Seal, Velora Carlton, Burl Seal, Rev. Reuben Burge, MaryJane Singletary, along with their spouses; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply.
The family of Mrs. Nelda warmly invites everyone to join in celebrating the life of this beautiful, God-loving woman.
Visitation will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, and funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Pine Grove, United Pentecostal Church in Pearl River, Louisiana with Brother Billy Trusley officiating.
Interment will take place immediately after the funeral service at Hickory Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Pearl River, Louisiana.