Bonnie Rowell Blackwell was born on January 5th, 1953, in Prince Frederick, MD. She grew up on German Chapel Road in Prince Frederick as part of a large family. Her parents instilled Godly values and a deep faith in God.
She attended the University of Maryland in the early 1970s to study art and graphic design. In April 1988, she married the love of her life, Michael Blackwell. They had two daughters and shared 12 years of marriage. Micheal preceded her in death in 2001.
Bonnie prioritized God, family, and friends. She worked at the schools her daughters attended, both as a volunteer and a teacher assistant, because she adored being there for her daughters and working with kids. She owned her own candy shop, Sweet Dreams Candy Shoppe, for over 20 years in honor of her husband. She retired in 2017.
Bonnie endured several hardships in her life, including the sudden death of her husband. After retiring from her candy shop, she developed different cancers and fought bravely for several years. The hardships of cancer motivated Bonnie to start a cancer ministry called Whole Cancer Care with Emmanuel Baptist Church in Huntingtown, Maryland. She wanted to help and inspire others battling cancer.
Bonnie’s warmth and kindness left an enduring impression on countless lives. She was deeply known, respected, and dearly loved throughout Calvert County by friends, family, and all who crossed her path.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Jennifer Ferreria of Sparks, Nevada, and Kaley Blackwell of Prince Frederick, Maryland. Her cherished grandson, Gavin Ferreria of Sparks, Nevada, also survives her, as do her devoted siblings: Debbie Weimert of Huntingtown, Marilyn Harkey and Lisa Rowell of Prince Frederick, and John Darnell of Waldolf, Maryland. She also leaves behind a beloved extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Blackwell of Prince Frederick, and her parents, Ernest and Violette Rowell of Prince Frederick. Her siblings, Vernie O’Berry of Lusby, Maryland, and Ernie Rowell Jr. of Greenville, South Carolina, also preceded her in death.
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Frankie Godwin
October 27 – Obituary: Bonnie Rowell Blackwell
I remember Bonnie when we both were much younger growing up in Calvert in the 60’s and 70’s. She was very kind and good natured, definitely a byproduct of her daddy, Ernie Rowell. May she Rest in Peace in Jesus arms and have everlasting life in Heaven.
Corrine Tavenner
October 27 – Obituary: Bonnie Rowell Blackwell
Bonnie’s light will shine bright in our hearts for a long time. Her sincere Christian witness touched all who knew her. An angel went to her forever home & has forever peace.
Joseph Norris
October 26 – Obituary: Bonnie Rowell Blackwell
Very sad to hear of Bonnie’s passing. I remember interviewing her for the Calvert Independent after Mike died. She was a wonderful person. Condolences to her family.
Tricia O’Neill Politte
October 23 – Obituary: Bonnie Rowell Blackwell
I have been friends with Bonnie since first grade. In fifth grade, we both loved the Beatles. With two other girls we made cardboard guitars and pantomimed to a Beatles 45 in front of the class! What a fun and silly memory! Bonnie was fun, full of light, and filled with the Holy Spirit.
She will be missed, but she leaves behind a legacy of kindness and faith in her daughters.
Billy Hooper
October 23 – Obituary: Bonnie Rowell Blackwell
Condolences to Bonnie’s family. Many memories from school days. Always enjoyed randomly meeting her out somewhere and catching up on life. Special person.
Kellee Blomgren
October 22 – Obituary: Bonnie Rowell Blackwell
Rest in peace, Miss Bonnie. Your shop in Saint Leonard is legendary. Your kindness is well remembered!!
LISA WIELAND
October 22 – Obituary: Bonnie Rowell Blackwell
Bonnie was a comfort to me when I lost my twin sister who died in an accident on the same road her dearly beloved husband had 14 years earlier. 💔 I collaborated with her on some library events and was also a frequent visitor to the candy shop.
Most importantly, we shared a Sisterhood in Christ. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you in the sweet by and by.
Janet Dalton
October 22 – Obituary: Bonnie Rowell Blackwell
I got to know Bonnie when she opened Sweet Dreams candy shop at the Calvert Farmer’s Market (where O’Gannigan’s is). She always had a smile on her face, a bright outlook and kindness to spare. She fought a long, hard fight with grace and positivity. I can only imagine the reunion she and Mike are having now! Stay strong Jennifer and Kaley.
Diane Andraka
October 22 – Obituary: Bonnie Rowell Blackwell
Bonnie never stopped living life . She was the best patient I’ve ever met . She’d battle on, overcoming the obstacles before her. Her dependence on God and His making a way , was so clear in the way she lived. She was an overcomer, determined for her own future , but also her experiences poured out on others , giving them hope and strength to push forward. Never have I met someone so full of joy for the little things in life. She was creative and could make something nice out of almost nothing . She loved her flowers and gardens . She loved her candy shop and all of the memories that went along with it . A few years ago when our church still put on the fall festival … she was weak from her previous cancers but still participated in any events and activities she could . She wanted to put on a booth for the kids for trick or trunk , as it was a contest , and it was fun 🙂 Well, we talked and she was wondering what theme she could do, and I suggested she do a candy shop. I knew she had some things leftover from her shop, candy jars and bigger props , and I, doing events at Emmanuel , knew we had a candy store back drop . She loved that idea , and it allowed her a short period of time enjoying and reliving the fun of her old candy store. Needless to say She and Kaley dressed in costume and won the contest . I’ll always carry that with me . I also saw her in action in her garden work ,that brought her such Joy, I’d bring some mulch or a few pallets , some stone or whatever , and she’d be in heaven ,creating, and playing in her yard all summer. Her drive was just amazing to watch. She lived as best she could along all of her hardships. She was a true inspiration and was always thankful for what she had and how God saw her through each day. She made an impact on my life watching how she offered hope to others , she loved leading the cancer care ministry . I can say without a doubt she was a strong fighter and a strong believer. I pray she’s at peace with her family she loved, that have passed before her. I will miss my friend, Bonnie, she was a unique lady and always did her best with what she had. 💗
Patricia Willis
October 22 – Obituary: Bonnie Rowell Blackwell
Bonnie will be missed. She was a beautiful, caring and sweet person. My heart is broken.
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