Virgie Stafford Blackwell, age 89, of Cohutta, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Bessie Stephenson; brothers, Frank and Don Stephenson; sisters, Pat Robertson, Louise Young, Agnes Brown, Jean Gowens, Virginia Shields.

She was a long-time member of Varnell Church. Her love for cooking was her ministry, she was very involved in the Harvest Ministries, where she helped take care of feeding the community. Virgie made several trips to the Holy Land and was able to go on mission trips to Mexico to help build churches.

She is survived by her loving husband, Truett Blackwell; daughter, Tina and Tim Gossett; brother, Paul Stephenson; grandchildren, Sarah (Stone) Gossett Reed, Caroline (Brian) Cox. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Pleasant Grove Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Home with Rev. Chuck Smith officiating.

The family will receive friends, Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until the service hour of 6:00 p.m.

Burial will follow in Whitfield Memorial Gardens.

In Virgie’s memory, donations can be made to the Varnell Church Food Pantry,

Messages of comfort may be sent to the family at www.julianpeeples.com.