Gloria Elizabeth Land Blackwell passed away peacefully on August 28, 2023, in Huntsville, Alabama, at the age of 86. She was born on September 21, 1936, in Louin, Mississippi to the late Mildred and Larkin Land. Gloria was a devoted wife of 65 years to Perry Oneal "Buddy" Blackwell. She was also a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends.

Gloria graduated from Louin High School in 1954 before continuing her education at Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry in May of 1958. She moved to Huntsville, Alabama and began working at Thiokol Chemical Corporation as an analytical chemist. She met Buddy Blackwell, also a chemist and engineer, at Thiokol and they married on Thanksgiving Day 1958. Five years later, they welcomed twins, Alesia and Anita, and she became a devoted mother and homemaker. Gloria's love of cooking and baking brought much joy to her family. She was known for her delicious pound cakes, blueberry pies, and homemade rolls.

Gloria also loved serving her church and her community. She was a member of the Weatherly Heights Arts Club and the DAR - Twickenham Town Chapter. She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Huntsville for 65 years, where she served in WMU, ESL, Cradle Roll, Prayer Partners and Roundtable.

Gloria is survived by her loving husband, Perry Oneal "Buddy" Blackwell; her daughters Alesia Blackwell Hosley (David) and Anita Blackwell Couch (David); her grandchildren Matthew David Hosley (Madelaine), Justin Michael McCoy (Meagan), Laurel McCoy LouAllen (Joseph), and Walker Lee Harris Hosley (Sydney); and three great grandchildren Mason Heard McCoy, Whatley Thomas McCoy, and Foster Grisham LouAllen. She is preceded in death by her father, Larkin Smith Land, her mother Mildred Harris Land Carr, and her stepfather, James Truett Carr. Gloria's love for and devotion to her family and friends will be greatly missed. Her legacy of love and faithfulness will live on through her family and all who knew her. Gloria will be laid to rest in Louin, Mississippi Cemetery in the family plot at a graveside service on Saturday, September 2nd at 10:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Louin Baptist Church, 75 County Road 1539, Louin, Mississippi 39338. Our family would also like to express our most sincere appreciation and gratitude to the medical staff on 5 East at Huntsville Hospital for their compassionate care, dedication and support during her final days.