Rosalie Blackwell

Rosalie Blackwell, 76, died peacefully on April 12, 2025, in hospice. She was born March 30, 1949, in Houma, Louisiana, daughter of Julian J. “Cox” and Genevieve Lucille (Boudreaux) Lafont of Golden Meadow, Louisiana.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. James Blackwell of Haymarket, VA; siblings Anna (Bryan) Nugent of Natchitoches, LA, Angela (Wayne) LeBlanc of Galliano, LA, Julian (Kathy) Lafont Jr. of Galliano, LA; sons Joshua (Lydia) Blackwell of Midland, VA, Jonathan (Kirsten Cappel) Blackwell of Fairfax, VA, daughter Elizabeth (Richard) Baldridge of Warrenton, VA.; grandchildren Emerson and Hunter Blackwell, Richard III (Trey) and Genevieve Baldridge. She was predeceased by her mother and father. Rosalie was called to a lifetime of Christian education and served more than 47 years as teacher in public and private schools in Louisiana, Texas, and Maryland. She also served as Director of Children’s Ministries in El Paso, Texas and Rockville, Maryland.

Rosalie graduated from South Lafourche High School, Class of 1967 and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education at Northwestern (Louisiana) State University in 1972; licensed by the states of Louisiana and Texas to teach in public schools. In 1975 she received her Master of Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and was a Certified Lifetime Elementary Teacher by the Association of Christian Schools International. In 2019 she retired after 47 years of selfless service and continued to help raise her grandchildren in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Rosalie was endowed by her Creator with the gift of hospitality which she applied in her roles as Army wife, corporate spouse, and helpmeet to her globally recognized (for a moment in time) media personality husband.  She was a talented seamstress and a fearless Lady Prayer Warrior. Rosalie was a master of the culinary arts who spread the joy of Cajun cuisine in every place where she lived. Throughout her professional career she nurtured children to gain knowledge, understanding and virtue in the admonition of the Lord, and was herself wholly given to life in Christ alone. She was a fiercely devoted wife, mother and grandmother, empowered to conquer adversity and to advocate for choosing life. She was an unwavering friend who loved those sometimes unloved by others.

Funeral and Celebration will be held on April 26^th at Battlefield Baptist Church, 4361 Lee Highway, Warrenton, VA 20187. 10 – 11 am Viewing, 11 am – 12 pm Memorial Service, 12 – 2 pm Celebration Banquet. Burial at Arlington National Cemetery TBD. The family suggests donations to Battlefield Baptist Church designated for Children’s Ministry, Upwards Basketball Program, or Women’s Ministries.