It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Betty Blackburn. She passed peacefully on October 26, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born Betty Ann Northrop on September 16, 1936, in the charming town of St. Paul, NC. Betty met and married Woodrow Blackburn on August 30, 1958. They called Newport News home for nearly seventy years.
Betty earned respect and admiration for her decades-long career at Riverside Hospital. She was an active member of Hilton Presbyterian Church. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life.
In retirement, Betty enjoyed traveling with her husband. Together, they traveled across the United States, discovering the beauty and diversity of the country.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Woody. She is survived by four children, Sharon, Michelle, Mark, and Sandra; ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will take place on November 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA, where Betty and Woody will be laid to rest together. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.