Edith L. Blackford

Edith Lucille Tanner was born on March 11, 1927 to Payton Everett Tanner and Edith Virginia Dodson at Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, D.C. She departed this life on July 13, 2020. Edith was educated in the District of Columbia Public School System and attended Cardozo Senior High School. She was baptized at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. and later became a member of Upper Room Baptist Church, also in Washington, D.C. She met Howard Morgan Blackford Jr., the love of her life, in Washington, D.C. They married on March 10, 1946 in Rockville, Maryland. From that union, their beloved children, Howard Morgan III and Cynthia Bedelia, were born. Affectionately called Mommy, Grandma E, and Lucille by family members, she devoted her life to providing a beautiful and loving home for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Edith's spirit was as divine as the flowers she planted in her gardens. From vibrant yellow gladioli and forsythia to violet mums and peonies, she received great delight from blossoming flowers. She shared her passion for gardening with all. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, and granddaughter Angela Booker Murray. Cherishing her memory are her son, Howard M. Blackford III; daughter, Cynthia B. Browne; four grandchildren; and a host of great grandchildren. Private services will be held. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Edith L. Blackford please visit our Sympathy Store.