ELSIE BELLE BLACKBURN, age 71 years of Darlington, MD died peacefully in her home, after a courageous battle fighting COPD, with family by her side. She was the loving wife of James L. Blackburn to whom she was married for 53 years. Elsie was born in Fairchance, PA on January 19, 1947, a daughter of the late Harold Wayne and Mary Ellen (Brown) Strawser. Elsie’s fun loving spirit, generosity of heart and deep love of family and friends was endless.

In addition to her husband, Elsie is survived by:
A daughter, Kathy Mahan, wife of Melvin Mahan, Jr. of Havre de Grace, MD

A brother, John Wayne Strawser of Terra Alta, WV
A sister, Marti Nelson, Cranesville, WV

Three grandchildren, Jamie Barlow, Melvin Mahan, III; Shawnee Mahan, all of Havre de Grace

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Shawana Blackburn; sisters-Deborah Reckart, Louise Guthrie and Mary Jo Collins.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Harkins Funeral Home, 600 Main Street, Delta, PA where the funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday. Mr. Joshua Gainey of Rock Run United Methodist Church, Havre De Grace, MD will be officiating with internment in Bel Air Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Jamie Barlow, Melvin Mahan, Jr.; Melvin Mahan, III; Cooner Alexander, Jason Curry, Shawn Bowman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Melvin Lewis Mahan, Jr. Prostate Cancer Treatment Fund, 31 N. Earlton Road Ext., Havre de Grace, MD 21078.


Funeral staff will be assisting with parking and handicap needs during the viewing and funeral service.