Annabel (Reel) Blackorby

Annabel Blackorby, age 91, of Barry, IL passed away Monday, December 1, 2025 at Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal, MO. She was born in Pittsfield, IL on November 17, 1934 to Arthur and Gladys (Carlin) Reel.  She married Charles F. Blackorby on June 21, 1955 and he preceded her in death on September 20, 2017. 

Annabel grew up in Barry, IL and graduated from Barry High School where she was on the Baton Twirling Team.  She went on to attend the School of Nursing in Jacksonville, IL where she received her Register Nursing Diploma.  She worked at various hospitals including; Illini Hospital, Levering Hospital, St. Elizabeth Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, and finished her nursing career at Hannibal Regional Hospital.  She also worked for the State of Illinois as a Health Facility Nursing Home Inspector. 

Annabel was a very active and faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Barry, IL.  She taught Sunday School for many years, served on the board, and led Bible study up until this last year.  She enjoyed going fishing at the lake on the family farm. She was proud to be a farm wife, working along with her husband in every aspect of the farm.  Annabel would plant a huge garden and can her bounty every year.  She loved quilting, was an excellent cook and baker and is legendary for her cinnamon rolls.  She was known to be hardworking, strong willed, independent, loving, caring, compassionate, and honest.  She gave her family “food for thought” as well.  Annabel loved her family and had many “inherited” children and grandchildren. 

She is survived by; sons, Marc Dewayne Blackorby (Michelle Howard) of Ferdinand, IN, and Danny Charles Blackorby (Ruby Fesler) of Barry, IL; grandchildren, Nathan Lee Blackorby, Shawn Joseph (Amy) Blackorby, Charles Michael (Tonya) Blackorby, Tanya Marie Cook, and Shawna Daniel Deweese; great grandchildren, Haily Renee Blackorby, Natalie Ray Blackorby, Charles Wyatt Blackorby, Janie Kristine Blackorby, Lane Charles Blackorby, Baillie Blackorby, Amiyah Ann Johnson, and Kiya Marie Stroh; and great-great grandson, Elias Mason Stroh.

She was preceded in death by; her parents, Arthur and Gladys Reel; husband, Charles F. Blackorby; son, Charles Bradley Blackorby, daughter, Kathleen Ross; granddaughter, Christina Ann; daughter in-law, Holly Blackorby; and sister, Doris Cress.

A funeral service will be held Monday, December 8, 2025 at 10:00 am at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL.  A visitation will be Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Niebur Funeral Chapel.  Interment will be following the service at Parklawn Cemetery in Barry, IL.  Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church of Barry, IL or to Parklawn Cemetery in Barry, IL.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL is handling the arrangements.

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