Jonesboro- Blanche Sylvia Blackburn, 102, passed away on November 14, 2020, at the Phil and Flo Jones Hospice House. She was born on March 3, 1918 in Fort Smith to Maurice L. and Lucille Hall Derdeyn. Blanche was married to William “Bill” Blackburn in Fort Smith on May 10, 1938. They were married for over 67 years. The couple relocated to Jonesboro in 1952 where they owned and operated Blackburn Firestone for 30 years. Blanche enjoyed playing cards, reading, cooking and caring for her family. She loved her family and friends with a constant, unconditional love. Her sweet spirit and gentle ways were evident to all that knew her. Blanche was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church where she volunteered much of her time throughout the years. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Henry Blackburn; brothers, Maurice Derdeyn, Robert Derdeyn, Donald Derdeyn; son in law, Jack Black; daughter in law, Jayni Blackburn and a grandson, Michael Shawn Black. Blanche is survived by her daughter, Diana Black of Paducah, KY; and sons, Ron Blackburn (Marilyn) of Jonesboro and Donald Blackburn (Dorothy) of Mountain Home; grandchildren and their spouses: Ashley Abballe (Bill) of Marietta, GA, Greg Black (Johnna) of Benton, KY, Jeff Black (Shannon) Nashville TN, Gretchen Marlin (Tj), Jonesboro and Allison Russell (Eric), Jonesboro; thirteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; a brother, Jack Derdeyn (Demetra) of Fort Worth, TX; sister, Marguerite Radkiewicz (Robert) of Moline, IL, and sister in law, Lorraine Derdeyn of Dallas, Texas and many nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be held on 11:00 am Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Jonesboro with Father Alphonse Gollapalli officiating. A private burial will immediately follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Gregg-Langford-Bookout Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that consideration be given to the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church building fund; 1107 E. Highland Drive, Jonesboro AR, 72401. All attendees must wear masks and observe social distancing guidelines.