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Margaret Newsome Polly Blackmer

1926 - 2015

BORN

1926

DIED

2015

Margaret Blackmer Obituary

Name: Memorial Gathering for Margaret Newsome Polly Blackmer
Location: Blackmer Hall at Bishop Gadsden

Margaret Newsome "Polly" Blackmer Charleston - Margaret Newsome "Polly" Blackmer, age 89, passed away on October 27, 2015 at Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community in Charleston, SC. Polly was born on May 7, 1926 in Gainesville, TX, to Davis and Gladys Newsome, and was the youngest of eleven children. From 1944 to 1953, she worked in Dallas, TX for Rauscher, Pierce & Co. (at the time the largest brokerage firm in Texas) where she worked her way up from an entry-level job to a senior position. She married the late Boswell Anderson Blackmer of Denver, CO. They lived in Denver for several years before moving to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, where they both began successful careers in real estate. Returning from St. Thomas, they lived in Hilton Head Island, SC, Denver, and Naples, FL, and in 1997 moved to Charleston, where they lived for the remainder of their lives. For 41 years, they spent their summers at Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville, NC, where Polly was an avid and talented competitor in both tennis and croquet. Wherever they relocated, Polly was dedicated to the betterment of the communities in which she lived. She was especially known for the success of her fashion shows and art auctions, which raised funds for a variety of causes. Polly helped establish private Montessori schools in both St. Thomas and on Hilton Head Island. She served on a number of boards including the Duke Cancer Institute Board of Overseers; the Henry M. Blackmer Foundation; Antilles School, St. Thomas; Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital, Linville, NC; Sea Pines Montessori Academy, Hilton Head Island; and St. Mary's Academy, Denver, CO. Polly's final move was into Bishop Gadsden in 1999 where, as one of the earliest residents, she was known as one of the "Original '99ers". As was true throughout her life, her generosity continued at Bishop Gadsden, with contributions that enhanced the lives of all the residents. Polly is survived by four children: Teri Blackmer Jenkins of St. Augustine, FL; and Sarah Blackmer Chamberlain; Myron Kerr Blackmer (Paulette); and Margaret Preston Blackmer (Lettie Lipchak), all of Charleston. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Sarah Chanler Ryan; Margaret Eleanor Chanler; Theresa Eleanor Liberatore; Adrianne Burnham Chamberlain; and Sallie Blackmer Chamberlain; as well as five great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 5 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community, 1873 Camp Road, Charleston. The service will be followed by a reception in Blackmer Hall at Bishop Gadsden. A private committal will follow later in the columbarium at Grace Church, Charleston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bishop Gadsden Resident Assistance Fund or the charity of one's choice. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Blackmer

14 Entries

November 5, 2015

Margaret and Family,

I extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you on behalf of my father, Mr. James (Jimmy) Smalls, and family.

May the peace of God which passes understanding rest upon you all. I pray that your tears of sadness will be turned into tears of joy and honor, as you reflect upon the life and love of Ms. Polly.

Apostle Gertie S. Ford & Family

Mary Fay Videon

November 4, 2015

Myron, Sarah and Margaret, I am so sorry to hear that your Mom passed away. I was so glad to see you all at Harold's funeral. I would like for us to keep in touch. We had such good times together in Hilton Head and at Grandfather. Your Dad was my inspiration for loving to cook. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Mary Fay

November 4, 2015

OUR THOUGHTS ARE OF THE JOY YOUR PARENTS BROUGHT TO US WITH OUR LIVES CONNECTING IN HILTON HEAD,SC . WE WERE SORRY TO SEE THEM LEAVE BUT IT WAS JOY TO VISIT IN CHARLESTON WE WILL MISS THERE WARM AND LOVING PRESENCE BLESSINGS NANCY AND EARL HEINER

Wilma Householder

November 3, 2015

Sarah, Myron and Margaret: So sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a lovely lady and always so kind to me. You all r in my prayers.

Yvonne Eddings

November 3, 2015

I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one. May the God of all comfort, comfort you during this difficult time. ( Psalm 83 : 18 )

Carol Smalls

November 3, 2015

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Glenys Gibson

November 2, 2015

Polly you will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Love you. Glenys

Hospice of Charleston Family

November 2, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Kimberly Borts

November 2, 2015

Polly was an institution - her presence is felt everywhere, even following her passing. My thoughts are with the entire Blackmer Family.

John and Arline Mead

November 2, 2015

Form our family to yours our deepest condolences.
John, Arline, John, Charlie and Joe

Cecilia Moore

November 1, 2015

I know that tune you hummed as you made your way to and fro....it is the tune of contentment, joy and happiness for which I won't forget. Thank you for your lady like and most gracious southern greetings in the hall. I will miss you. Rest in peace.

Denise Broad

November 1, 2015

Heaven has welcomed a very special soul. The Angles are rejoicing.

November 1, 2015

Margaret I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a true classy lady. Just know she is at peace. Love Pam Borders Scott

Adrienne Chisolm-Cox

November 1, 2015

I was a hostess in the Winningham Court dining room at Bishop Gadsden. It was always a pleasure to look forward to the arrival of Mrs. Blackmer and the Magathans. They were such a wonderful group to serve. Mrs. Blackmer was always the "BEST" dressed. She was the fashion diva of BG. Always had a smile on her face. Never treated us as if we were beneath her. Such a pleasant demeanor. Even though I am no longer there, I think of those residents often and miss them dearly. Please know that heaven has gained a beautiful flower to be added to its host of angels. She is resting in the arms of her maker. To the family may you be comforted during this difficult time.

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