March 28, 2026, 81, Goldsboro – Mary JoAnn Brock Blackmon, 81, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 28, 2026, while surrounded by her family in the compassionate care unit at UNC Wayne Health in Goldsboro. Though our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice in the promise that she has heard the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
JoAnn was born on August 9, 1944, in Wayne County to the late Joseph and Ruth Brock. She was also preceded in death by the love of her life and devoted husband of 60 years, Malcolm Blackmon; her brother, Winfred Brock; and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Wilhelmina Best (Crow) and Juanita Gregory (George). In addition to her own family, she was also preceded in death by special family members of the Blackmon’s—Father and Mother-in-law, Sam and Dessie Blackmon, sister and brother-in-law, Gladys (Thurman) Toler and brothers-in-law, Sam Blackmon, Jr. and Kenneth Blackmon (who was more like a son than a brother). Together again, they rest in the eternal peace of God’s presence.
JoAnn’s life was a beautiful reflection of Christ’s love—quietly faithful, deeply compassionate, and filled with grace. Whether in her work as a media assistant with Goldsboro City Schools or through her many years with Home Interiors, she carried light into every room she entered. Her life was her testimony and her kindness spoke louder than words.
A faithful servant of the Lord, JoAnn found great joy in worship and ministry. At Oak Heights Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, she lovingly poured into the lives of young people and lifted her voice in song. Later, at The First Pentecostal Holiness Church, she continued her walk of faith through Women’s Ministries, the Tuesday morning prayer group, the Jolly Seniors and countless quiet acts of service. With willing hands and a humble heart, she shared God’s love in ways both seen and unseen.
JoAnn embraced life with a joyful and adventurous spirit, seeing each day as a gift from God. She loved to travel, always ready to follow the road wherever it might lead, and she never met a stranger along the way. Conversations came easy to her, and her warm smile made others feel like family. Yet, there was no journey more meaningful to her than the one that led back to her cherished home place in the Grantham Community—a place where her roots run deep and her heart felt most at home. She continued to pour into this community by following the footsteps of her parents in being a member of the Grantham Grange.
Above all, JoAnn treasured her family, whom she loved with a Christ-like devotion. She was a faithful and loving wife, a nurturing and steadfast mother, and a proud and joyful “GiGi.” Her love was a steady presence, her prayers a covering, and her legacy one of unwavering faith. The seeds she planted in love and devotion will continue to grow for generations to come.
Those who remain to cherish her memory include her daughters, Tina Hinson (Mark) and Melodie Jo Blackmon, both of Goldsboro; her daughter-in-love, Lydia Mills (Bob) of Princeton; her grandchildren, Beth Fiandra (Carmen) of Florida, Cashus Mills (Morgan) of Goldsboro, and Jenny Mills of Goldsboro; and her precious great-grandchildren, Ayden, Declan, Ethan, Addie, Rylan, Hadley, AnnaClaire, Chesney, and Asher. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Bett Brock Jernigan of Goldsboro, and brother-in-law Lounes Blackman (Glenda) of Goldsboro, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a special family friend, Phyllis Williams and her children, Katie and Ashley, who knew JoAnn as Nana.
A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m.at The First Pentecostal Holiness Church, followed by a celebration of JoAnn’s life at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, with Pastor Bill Rose officiating. Interment will follow on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Wayne Memorial Park.
Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made in JoAnn’s memory to The First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1100 The First Church Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
