Desby Lela Blacknell

On October 16, 1938, an adorable baby girl was born to the late Milton and Clarine (Webb) Harris. She was named Desby Lela Harris. She was one of three children, Milton who preceded her in death, and Jennifer. Desby departed this life on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Orange County.

Desby attended and graduated from Lincoln High School. She worked as a housekeeper and nanny until her retirement in 2000, at age 62. She also worked for Orange County School System as a bus driver.

Desby married Jesse Rufus Blacknell and to this union four baby boys were born, Scott, Christopher, Desmond, and Jesse. She was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Though her physical presence is no longer here, her spirit will live on in each of us.

In addition to her parents, Desby was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Rufus Blacknell, one son, Jesse, and her only brother, Milton.

She leaves to cherish her memory, three sons, Scott (Theodora), Christopher (Tanya) and Desmond (Geneva); one sister, Jennifer Sykes; six granddaughters; two grandsons; a host of great and great-great-grandchildren, adopted sons, Roy Burnette and Terry Blackwell; adopted daughter, Carla Harp; life-long friends, Annie Mae Goins and Lorena Mills and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors. Desby will be missed by all who loved and adored her. She has touched so many lives and her presence was always felt. Miss you always, Mama B.