Mattie Gregory Blackmon

Blackmon, Mattie Gregory, 102, passed away at home July 12th, 2015. Born May 29, 1913 on Holly Creek near Chatsworth, Murray County, Georgia, she attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She was a member of the pioneering Hemphill and Gregory families of Murray County, Georgia, where she continued to own farmland until her death. She moved to St. Petersburg from Wayne, Pennsylvania in 1957 with her husband and son. She was a homemaker, businesswoman, farm owner, and church volunteer. With her husband, Martin B. Blackmon, who predeceased her in 1978, she operated Associated Products, a textile manufacturing company, in St. Petersburg and Dalton, GA. Customers of the business included chains such as Publix and Kress. She and her husband were among the first to purchase condominiums at Winston Park Northeast during the preconstruction phase; she is believed to have been the oldest original owner/occupant of the complex. She traveled extensively around the world well into her 80s, to places such as Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, and Jerusalem. An active member of First Baptist Church for over 50 years, she served as a member of the Collection Counting committee, Sunday School decorations committee, and delivered flowers to nursing home residents and shut-ins. Survivors include her son, James S. Blackmon; her daughter-in-law, Carolee Blackmon, and her two grandchildren Heather Blackmon and Robert Blackmon. Her unwavering Christian faith was an example to all. A visitation will be held at Anderson McQueen Family Tribute Center, 2201 Dr. MLK Jr. Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 on Friday, July 17th, 2015 from 1:00pm until 2:00 pm. A graveside service will follow at Memorial Park.