Barbara Jean Blackwell

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” – II Corinthians 1:3

Barbra Jean Blackwell, daughter of the late Lillian J. Jefferson, born January 2, 1942, in Petersburg, Virginia, entered eternal rest on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Harcourt Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Barbara or “BJ,” attended and graduated from the Petersburg, Virginia, Public School system. Leaving home soon after her graduation, Barbara headed to Alaska, living there for a few years before heading to the Midwest, Indianapolis, Indiana. There she met Charles and Fannie Atkins, two loving individuals, who provided her love, care, and guidance. Their daughter, Anita Jo Atkins-Sawyer, became Barbara’s lifetime friend.

She started her career at Western Electric, then went on to Allison Transmission, joined the United Auto Workers Union, and retired early. She then dedicated her time to entrepreneurship by starting her own business, BJ Nails.

Barbara was a loving person, providing a network of opportunities and support for anyone she loved. She provided for her Mother, Lillian, and Brother, Joseph L. Jefferson, when they moved to Indianapolis and kept all her family connected across the United States. She was a gracious giver with no limits: home-cooked meals, an ear to listen to, a job or a home. Through her inheritance from her Aunt Lucille Butler of Mattapan, MA, she established a scholarship with the NAACP of Greater Boston, that is awarded annually to high school students pursuing accounting degrees.

She was a free spirit. Always traveling, having fun while keeping her stubborn determination, independence, and fierce touch. She fought hard for what she believed in while celebrating in between. She dedicated her life to Christ and attended Eastern Star Church of the greater Indianapolis area.

Barabara was preceded in death by her grandmother, Alease P. Pankey, Petersburg, Va., her mother, Lillian J. Jefferson, Indianapolis, In., her brother Joseph L. Jefferson, Monroe County, In., aunts Lucille Butler, Mattapan, Ma., Margie C. Pankey, Petersburg, Va., and her cousin Kevin L. Pankey, Indianapolis, In., good friends Karl Davis, Indianapolis, In., and Mrs. Juanita Mitchell of Indianapolis, In.

She leaves to cherish her memory cousins Odessa and Brianna Pankey, North Chesterfield, Va., good friends Anita Jo Atkins-Sawyer, Bobbie and Reba Crenshaw, Indianapolis, IN., and a host of other friends.

A graveside service will be held on December 1, 2025, at 12:00 pm Eastern. Condolences may be sent to Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park North. 

The family would like to acknowledge and thank all of those at Harcourt Terrace and Rehabilitation, Hospice Care, and residents who were involved in her care or became her friend.