Nina Mary Blackwood

Nina Mary Blackwood, 90, of Fort Smith, died Wednesday, January 9, 2013 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born January 7, 1923 in Mountain View, Arkansaas. She was the daughter of Clarence R. Decker and Addie Dearien Decker. She and her husband Ralph were married for 63 years prior to his death and they spent most of their adult lives in Ft. Smith. Nina was a bookkeeper during her working years and was active in the different ministries of the First Baptist Church where she was a member for 59 years. Nina was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved growing beautiful flowers. She discovered in her 50’s that she was an artist and spent the next 30 years painting portraits for family and friends.

Nina is survived by her two daughters, Marilou Marlar of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Pamela Kaye Gulley of Ft. Smith; a grandson, Michael Gene Gulley II of Ft. Smith; one brother, Richard Decker of Mountain View, Arkansas, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Ralph Blackwood and one grandson, Dillon Patrick Gulley.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Roselawn Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Hinkle Decker, Joe Hogg, Johnny Scroggins, Frank Tidwell, Ed Marlar and Bill Rebsamen.

The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 15 from 5-7p.m.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church 14th & Grand Fort Smith, AR 72901.

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com