Blanche 'Charlene' Blackburn, age 97, of Caney, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at her home on July 23, 2026.

Charlene was born on August 19, 1928, in Amarillo, Texas, to Theodore M. Roop and Edna Irene (Cobb) Roop. She attended Amarillo schools through the eighth grade before leaving school to help raise her younger siblings while her parents worked. As the oldest of eleven children, she learned the value of hard work, sacrifice, and caring for others from an early age.

On May 24, 1945, Charlene married the love of her life, Robert Ivan Blackburn, in Amarillo, Texas. They shared many wonderful years together until his passing on January 25, 1993.

Charlene worked as a private caregiver in nursing homes and for private families for more than 30 years. She found great joy in helping others and caring for those in need.

A faithful member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Charlene enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening, and babysitting. She especially loved spending time with her family, caring for children, and sitting on her porch swing watching birds and reading. She was known for always having a garden, and loved giving away food. Charlene treasured visits with family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones.

Charlene is survived by her son, Larry Blackburn of Amarillo, Texas; daughter, Venita Blackburn and significant other Don Darnell of Bennington, Oklahoma; son, John Blackburn and wife, Janet, of Amarillo, Texas; grandchildren, Crystal Hemmingway, April Merlen, Lori Chamberlain, Dawn Gray, and husband Kevin, Larry Blackburn Jr., Benjamin Blackburn, James Smith, and Tracy McGrath; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Valera Fry and husband, Jim, of Guthrie, Oklahoma; along with many other loving relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore M. Roop and Edna Irene Roop; her beloved husband, Robert Ivan Blackburn; her son, Leon Blackburn; her daughter, Loretta Blackburn-Jordan; her grandson, Joey Dean Bowerman; her brothers, Sonny Roop, Carl Roop, Herman Roop, Donald Roop, and Gene Roop; and her sisters, Bobbie Holland, Theodoria Gibbard, Joyce Vocholick, and Elonia Beth.

DATE OF SERVICES: 10:00 AM Monday, July 27th, 2026 PLACE OF SERVICES: Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Caney, OK OFFICIATING: Bro. Tony Peak INTERMENT: Stewart Gammon Cemetery, Caney, Oklahoma CASKETBEARERS: Don Darnell, Larry Blackburn, Kevin Gray, Justin Vawder FAMILY NIGHT WILL BE FROM 4:00-6:00 PM SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2026 AT BROWNS FUNERAL CHAPEL ATOKA, OK CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: [email protected]. PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF BROWN’S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK