Betty Joyce Blackburn, 85 of Tuscumbia, died Wednesday July 30, 2025. Visitation will be Saturday. August 2, 2025, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia with the funeral following in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 p.m. Pastor J. Patrick McDonald will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Tuscumbia.
With hearts full of both gratitude and sorrow, we remember the remarkable life of Betty Joyce King Blackburn, who was born in a humble home in Franklin County on November 20, 1939. Growing up in the close-knit New Lagrange community, Betty’s story began with the simplicity and sincerity of rural life, where she learned the value of hard work and family.
From a young age, Betty’s love for music flourished. At just eight years old, she began playing piano at New Lagrange Baptist Church, a gift she continued to share with friends, family, and her community throughout her life. Her gentle hands graced both piano and guitar strings, bringing joy to countless gatherings and offering comfort and celebration in equal measure.
Betty’s journey was one of perseverance and courage. The little country girl with dreams beyond her horizons completed business school and went on to see the world, embracing adventure and forging connections wherever she traveled. Her life was a testament to the possibilities that await those with vision and determination.
Betty was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Oscar and Osha King; her husband, Bradley Blackburn; her son, Randy Brad Hallmark; her sister, Charlotte King Graves; and her brother-in-law, Curtis Harrison. Though we mourn their loss, we celebrate the joyful reunion that surely awaits them.
She leaves behind a loving legacy in her surviving family: her sister, Shirley Ann Harrison; her daughter, Amy Marie Blackburn McDonald (Patrick); sons, Arthur Bryan Blackburn III (Jennifer) and Ricky Glenn Hallmark; and her former daughter-in-law, Renee Hallmark. Her grandchildren—Madison Hallmark (Paul), Mary Ann Nakagawa, Bryan Blackburn, Stacey Blackburn, Andrew Blackburn, Ava Blackburn, Judah Blackburn, Sean Patrick McDonald (Hannah), Rachel Elizabeth McDonald, Joseph Bradley McDonald, Nathan Philip McDonald—were her pride and joy. She was also blessed with step-grandchildren Jerica Franks (Anthony) and Jeremy Doyle (Anne), as well as four great-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her memory.
Betty’s love extended far beyond her immediate family, touching friends, neighbors, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her kindness, her music, and her eccentric spirit enriched the lives of many.
To honor her life and legacy, pallbearers will include Sean Patrick McDonald, Joseph Bradley McDonald, Nathan Philip McDonald, Paul Smoke, Billy Atchison, and Bryan Blackburn. Honorary pallbearers will be Armondo Gomez, Anthony Harrison, and Chris Harrison.
Though Betty has departed this world, her melody lingers on in the hearts of those she loved. May we remember her laughter, her music, and the steadfast love she gave so freely. Her journey, from the cotton fields of Colbert County to the wide wonders of the world, stands as an inspiration — a life well lived, a soul deeply loved.
Betty loved music and dance. If you would like to honor her legacy & support of the arts, please consider giving a memorial to the SAFE’s Southern Dance & Performing Arts Company, Scholarship Fund, 109 N. Broadway AVE., Sylacauga, Alabama 35150.
