Calista R. Blackwell, 49, of Benton Harbor, MI gently departed this life on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at West Woods of Bridgman surrounded by family.

Calista was born Saturday, September 30, 1967 in Benton Harbor, MI to the union of Otis and Lula Mae Brown (Fowler)

Calista was a lifelong resident of Benton Harbor, MI where she attended Benton Harbor High School. She worked at Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center catering department for over 18years. She loved her family and friends, especially her little dog Lou Lou! In her spare time she loved to decorate the most peculiar things. Calista was very outgoing with a heart as big as her smile and sense of humor. Making you laugh until your cried was her favorite pastime. She definitely missed her calling as comedian. One of her hidden talents was putting together dance routines and performing in front of a big crowd. When no one was looking she would be playing and singing along to her favorite gospel artist Kirk Franklin.  Her passion was to live her life making sure those she love were protected.  It definitely won’t be the same without her.

She leaves to cherish sweet memories,  her parents Lula Mae Brown and Otis (Sherul) Brown, her husband of eight years, Daniel J. Blackwell; two sons, Antawne Wilburn of Benton Harbor, MI and Daniel Blackwell, Jr of Phoenix, AZ;  three daughters, Lanessa Lloyd and Taniesha Palmer of Benton Harbor, MI and Sade Blackwell of Buchanan, MI; five brothers Jerry (Tashama)  Brown and Mark Brown both of Benton Harbor, MI, Brian (Angela) Kelly of Louisville, KY,  Marcelles(Michelle) Brown and Javoughn Brown of Las Vegas, Nevada;   three sisters Connie Brown of Dayton, OH, Mershele Brown and Alisha (Gilbert) Davenport both of Atlanta, GA; six grandsons, four granddaughters, and a host of aunts/uncles/cousins and family friends. She will always have a special place in the hearts of Tiffany Campbell, Brianna and Labrisha Tillman, Lacorey and Quanisha Bland and Qwantririus Atterberry as she was a mother to them all.

Calista proceeded in death by her grandparents Will and Augusta Fowler and Jimmie and Helen Brown.

The funeral services will be held noon, on Friday, August 25, 2017 at New Bethel Baptist Church in Benton Harbor with Pastor Maurice McAfee officiating. The visitation will be 11am Friday at the church until the time of service.

 Service Information