Faith Marie Blackburn

Surrounded by family and dear friends in her home, Faith Marie Holleman Blackburn, 61, of Lake Charles passed away Friday, March 18, 2011, after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.

Faith Marie was born in Lake Charles to the late George and Elnora Holleman on September 15, 1949. She dedicated her work career as a special education paraprofessional with the Calcasieu Parish School Board at S. J. Welch Middle School for 22 years, retiring in 2009 due to illness. Her dedication, compassion, and love for these children touched and influenced countless lives. She earned the profound respect of her coworkers, all of whom she held in the highest of respect. Her devotion to family was always steadfast and unwavering. Her children and grandchildren provided Faith with such great pride, happiness and joy.

Faith is survived by her husband of 41 years, Frank Collin Blackburn; daughter Allison Marie Bass and husband Tony and son Jaylen Collin Bass; son Frank Christopher Blackburn and wife Lacey and children Brayden, Owen and Addysen; brother Bill Holleman and wife Blair; cousin Dean Thibodeaux and wife Bea and children Patrick, Bryan and Terri; uncle Harold Barrilleaux; nephews Mike Holleman and wife Martha, Chris Holleman; niece Michelle Martin and husband Marty; great nephews Jacob and Austin Holleman, Josh Martin.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 PM, Wednesday, March 23, 2011 in the Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception. Father Keith Pellerin will officiate. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Tuesday with a rosary being recited at 6:30 PM, and continue from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM, Wednesday in the funeral home.

A survivor of breast cancer in 2004, Faith actively involved herself in promoting cancer awareness among women. In lieu of flowers, Faith strongly wishes donations in her memory go to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, www.pancan.org, an organization dedicated solely to the advancement of research, patient support, and early detection of pancreatic cancer, a disease effecting nearly 50,000 Americans each year, receiving among the lowest of research dollars but yet among the highest in mortality rate.

With great care and tenderness of heart, Faith is ushered to her final resting place by Mike, and Jacob Holleman, Spencer Jackson, Tom Reeves, Jim Pousson, and Eric Lamandola. Honorary pallbearers are Chris Holleman, Joey Guillory, and Ted Harless.

Fran, we have been best friends for many years before my diagnosis, but the love, time and dedication you have given to me throughout this journey has meant more to me than you will ever know. There were many tears, enough laughs, painful moments and joyful experiences. I hope you remember them all and cherish all of the memories. Thank you, Love-Faith

My Dearest Love, Allison, Chris and I love, cherish, and remember you always and miss you deeply. Our lives are so enriched by yours.