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An estimated 200-plus, many from the state’s Child Protective Services agency, which investigates reports of child abuse and places children in foster care when necessary, attended a special memorial service for Blackwell held at the Porter Loring Funeral Home on McCullough Avenue.
Blackwell was a CPS program director at the agency’s Victoria office. Her death last week has been ruled a homicide and law enforcement authorities are investigating.
Authorities have not determined whether Blackwell’s death was work-related.
Carey Cockerell, commissioner of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, of which CPS is a division, said Blackwell’s slaying, which has drawn national media scrutiny, has placed a lot of attention on CPS employees and the work they do.
“You go into difficult circumstances and take on one of society’s most difficult jobs: the protection of our children,” Cockerell said. “Sally believed in the great worth of her work.”
Cockerell said someone had described Blackwell as “petite, but ever so mighty” in her work.
Joyce James, assistant commissioner of the TDFPS, said Blackwell was committed to getting the job done. “Most of all, she was committed to child safety.”
James asked the gathered CPS workers to join together in keeping Blackwell’s passion and mission alive.
“Sally did not see this as paperwork, but as people work – keeping people safe,” James said.
Scott Weatherford, senior pastor at Victoria’s Parkway Baptist Church, was Blackwell’s pastor.
“Sally was a rescuer, she loved people deeply,” Weatherford said. “She loved the children who needed someone.”
Blackwell was described by CPS regional director Sherry Gomez as “a true Texas treasure” who “went out to conquer the world of child abuse and neglect.”
Co-workers reminisced about Blackwell, saying she prayed with her secretary in her office when a Victoria family’s children perished in a fire, that she loved her daughters and her dogs, and that she was a mentor and role model who offered guidance and advice, whether solicited or not.
“She was just a very special person,” said one. “I’m a better person for knowing Sally Blackwell.”
“Sally lovingly gave of herself and it showed in everything she touched,” said another. “We, her peers, will never forget her.”