BLACKBURN, NANCY HESS (1943 ~ 2025). The following is an obituary for Nancy Blackburn, spouse of Judge Juan Ennis Blackburn. The obituary was provided by Porter Loring Mortuary of San Antonio.
Nancy Blackburn died peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Nancy was born November 30, 1943, in Temple, Texas. Her family moved to McLean, Texas where she graduated from McLean High School in 1962. From there she attended and graduated from West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas in 1967. After graduation, she taught school in Hereford, Texas from 1968 to 1971. From 1986 to 1993, she worked as a Real Estate Agent in Amarillo, Texas. On August 6, 1993, she married Judge J.E Blackburn and resided in Houston, Texas. While living in Houston, Nancy launched a third career and owned multiple Merry Maids franchises. In 2008, she sold her successful business and moved to San Antonio, Texas.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, F.J. and Leta Mae Hess and her husband Judge J.E. Blackburn. She is survived by her two children, Stephen Hudson and his family, Toni Emerson and their child Charlie and Hillary Hudson Stull and her family, Brad Stull and their children Spencer and Sarah, along with numerous cousins and other family members.
From a young age, Nancy loved animals, books, her family and friends. Over the years she had numerous pets that she spoiled. Her beloved dog, Stella, lived with her in the Franklin Park Living Center staying by Nancy’s side. More than anything Nancy loved to spend time with her three grandchildren. She loved spending time with them by shuttling them to activities, was their biggest cheerleader, and refused to tell them no. She would often say that she raised her kids and only wanted to have fun with her grandkids. Nancy was a friend to many and loved to have fun. She was always up for a challenge and an adventure even learning how to paint and scuba dive at 40. She enjoyed genealogy and was a proud member of Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) which helped lead other family members to follow in her footsteps in learning their family heritage.
Nancy was a strong self-determined woman and taught many others to be independent. She especially encouraged women to follow their passion and be financially independent.
Special thanks to her caregiver, Carmen Elliot, and the staff at Franklin Park Living Center who loved and cared for her like family.
The family will receive visitors from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Porter Loring Mortuary. A celebration of Nancy's life will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 31, 2025. Family and friends unable to attend the service are invited to view a livestream below.
A private interment will follow in Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas.
