Elizabeth Bigham Blackstone

A celebration of life for retired educator, community leader, and world traveler, Elizabeth Ann Bigham Blackstone, 75, of Killeen will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 30, at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Killeen. A private family burial service will be held at another time.

Elizabeth passed after a brave battle with Glioblastoma on Saturday, January 13, 2024, in Temple, TX. She was born in Waco, TX, December 5, 1948, to Helen Marie Howard Bigham and William (Bill) Strickland Bigham. She was the oldest of three girls. She spent her childhood attending Killeen schools and pursuing academic and creative interests, including playing the piano and flute and participating in school clubs. At every stage of her life, Elizabeth loved to read, loved to travel, and she loved to experience life to the fullest.

Elizabeth, a loyal Baylor Bear, received her Bachelor of Arts with Honors in 1971 and Master of Science in Education in 1988, both from Baylor University. In 1973, Elizabeth married Carey Blackstone, a military pilot, and with him had two sons, William Blackstone of Huntsville and Andrew Blackstone of Killeen. She worked for Killeen Independent School district from 1982 until 2003, as a teacher at Manor Middle School and a counselor and registrar at Ellison High School. She also was a journalist for the Killeen Daily Herald right after college.

Retirement allowed Elizabeth to pursue her passion for travel. She went as often and as far as she was able, traveling with a small suitcase, a desire to experience everything, and a willingness to live as a local. Her adventurous spirit knew no bounds. Thailand, Jordan, Tibet, France, Spain, Scotland, Portugal, Aruba, Laos, Germany, Belgium, Vietnam and China are among some of her notable destinations. Her happiest moments were traveling or reliving her travel. Even if you weren’t a traveler, she’d convince you to pack your bag.

An idealist who sought to make this a better world, Elizabeth was committed to serving her hometown in public office and through volunteerism. She served as both a Killeen city councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem. She volunteered in many areas of our community, including Killeen Volunteers, the Arts Commission, Junior Review, and Metroplex Hospital.

When at home during retirement, Elizabeth was a neighborhood favorite. She was focused on living and doing it well. She played bridge, walked, read, and enjoyed Bible Study Fellowship International, local theatre and civic activities with her neighbors and friends. During her illness, it was this group who loved and supported her along with her loving sons and family.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her sister, Nancy Uzzel. Survivors include her two sons; her daughter-in-law, Mardelle Atkins, Ph.D. of Huntsville; her sister, Mary Kliewer, and brother-in-law, Bill, of Salado; and numerous nieces, a nephew, great-nieces and a great-nephew. Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen is in charge of arrangements.

To honor Elizabeth’s memories, donations may be made to the Killeen Animal Shelter, 3118 Commerce Dr., Killeen, TX 76541; the National Park Foundation, Attn: Gift Processing, P.O. Box 17394, Baltimore, MD 21298-9450 or nationalparks.org/give; or H.A.R.P. (KISD Homeless Student Program) 902 Rev. R. A. Abercrombie Dr., Killeen, TX 76543.