Laura Katherine Blackwell, 52, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. She was born in Cincinnati on August 18, 1969 to Walter and Alice Saunders. Laura was the oldest of three children. She attended Duvall Elementary, South Jr. High School, and graduated from Mt. Healthy High School (Class of 1987). Following High School, she received her associate’s degree from Brown Mackie College. Laura worked at Vancom Bus Company to help start her legacy in childcare, which she established in 1999. She later opened her first childcare center in 2001--Zakiyyas Children’s Learning Center. Laura was a faithful Christian of the Seventh - Day Adventist Church. She enjoyed making people happy. Laura loved having a good time with her husband, Kenneth Blackwell, all her children, extended family, and her grandchildren. She especially enjoyed dancing and singing her favorite song, “Cause I Love You”, by Lenney Williams. Laura loved, mentored, and cared for a lot of people. Her favorite color was orange, but secretly blue when her husband, Kenneth, was around. Laura never gave up or felt defeated when she found out she was sick. She smiled, laughed, and made everyone around her see her as if she wasn’t fighting for her life. Laura never wanted anyone to feel sorry for her. She never stopped putting others before herself. Laura is the definition of a true hero to many. She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Kenneth M. Blackwell; mother, Alice D. Bell; sister, Sherry Daniels (David); mother-in-law, Arnette Blackwell; sisters-in-law, Daniele Blackwell and Carmen Blackwell; seven children: Cassaundra (Marcus) Ziegler, Paige (Kevin) Pankey, Desarae Blackwell, Kenneth Blackwell III, Kendryc Blackwell, Keshawn Blackwell, and Kemuel Blackwell; eight grandchildren: Dominique, Marcus, Jr., Kaveah, Gionnie, Kevin III, Kameron, Dutchess, and Baby Katherine debuting in November 2022. Laura also leaves behind: her niece, Morgan; and many additional nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. Laura was preceded in death by her father, Walter A. Saunders; daughter, Kefira M. Blackwell; and brother, Cleon D. Johnson. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 10, 2022 at Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 3660 Washington Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229. Arrangements entrusted to the caring hands of KINLEY Funeral Home & Arrangement Center.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Laura K. Blackwell, please visit our flower store.