Freda Frances Blackford

Freda Dunn Blackford passed away at her ranch home near Waxahachie, Texas at the age of 96. She was born to Nelson L. Dunn M.D. and Freda Knight Dunn on May 6, 1927, in Fort Worth, Texas.  Freda graduated from Paschal High School, attended Stephens College for two years, and graduated from Southwestern University. She married Kenneth C. Blackford in 1947 after meeting him at Glen Lake Methodist Camp where they were both on the summer staff. They were happily married for 66 years until his death in 2013. After her marriage to Ken, Freda was active in the Methodist church, and college campuses, that Ken served as pastor. She was a loving mother to their four daughters and taught fifth grade until gaining a Master in Education from Texas Women’s University in 1970. The years until her retirement were filled as an Arlington ISD counselor and homebound teacher.

 Freda was active in PEO, DAR, The Garden Club and other area organizations. Freda and Ken were both involved with advocacy for learning disabled children and the Texas Association for Children with Learning Disabilities. The Blackford family was named as Arlington’s 1987 Great American Family. Freda was an avid gardener and loved painting, music, traveling, camping, ranching, and genealogy. She valued her family, her many friends, and all children.

 Freda was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Blackford, and her daughter Becky Baker. She is survived by her daughters Donna and husband Larry Baker, Kay Blackford, and Grace Garrison. Her beloved grandchildren Russ Baker (Shandi Hall), Brooke Chadwick, and Sarah Gerstenkorn and husband Robert. Great-Grandchildren Alex Baker (Maria Asencio), Dakotah Gerstenkorn, Montannah Gerstenkorn, Liam Chadwick and Kenna Chadwick. Great-Great-Grandchildren River Baker and Summit Baker. Her brother Nelson L. Dunn, and cousin Jean Fuller Young. Numerous nieces and nephews.

In Lue of Flowers, please donate to The Texas Association for Children with Learning Disabilities.