Elizabeth Parrott (Libby) Blackburn

Elizabeth Parrott Blackburn, aged 74, died on July 30, 2014 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, after an extended illness. Libby, as she was affectionately known, was born in Georgetown, SC on March 17, 1940, Saint Patrick’s Day, to Claude Cecil Parrott and the former Lou Ada Jayroe. She attended Winyah High School, graduating in 1958. It was during this time that Pawley’s Island, SC captured her heart. She had lifelong friendships with classmates and loved to return to Pawley’s Island for her high school reunions. She graduated Lander College in 1960, moved to Tallahassee in 1962 with her first husband, Charlie Huggins, and began a career with the Department of Education that ended with her retirement in 1996. She earned her degree in Social Science from FSU in 1982. She held numerous positions with the Department of Education, including Executive Director of the State Board of Independent Postsecondary Vocational, Technical, Trade and Business Schools. Libby loved her church, Trinity United Methodist, where she was a member since 1962. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women, both at the local and district level. She adored the Seminoles and was active with the Extra Point Club and Seminole Boosters. She was also a member of the Tallahassee Woman’s Club, where she held numerous positions. Libby was fun-loving and adventurous. She traveled extensively with her mother and daughter and later, her second husband Jim. She had an infectious spirit and a twinkle in her eye when with family and friends. Libby was proud of her Saint Patrick’s Day birthday and each year, she was sure that every Saint Patrick’s Day party in the world was a celebration of her birthday. One of her proudest moments came in 1998 when she became a grandmother, and she cherished her four beloved grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Chip Huggins (and wife Sally) and LuAnn Huggins; four grandchildren, Matthew, Meredith, Claire and Sean Huggins; her brothers, Cecil Parrott (and wife Diane) of North Augusta, SC and Richard “Dicky” Parrott of Greenville, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jim Blackburn. A celebration of Libby’s life will be held on Friday August 8th at 2 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee. Her family will travel to Pawley’s Island, SC at a later date to spread her ashes at the place she loved the most. Donations can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church. Rocky Bevis of Bevis Funeral Home (www.bevisfh.com, 850.385.2193) is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Elizabeth Parrott (Libby) Blackburn

March 17, 1940 - July 30, 2014