Karen Mitchell Blackley

Karen Leigh Mitchell Blackley, of Oxford passed away Tuesday, May 5th, at her home with her family. She was born in Durham, NC on November 13, 1963, the daughter of the late Harold Lee Mitchell and Peggy Wheeler Mitchell. Karen lived her 62 years with a spirit defined by kindness, warmth, and a generous heart that touched everyone who knew her.

Karen was a loving wife, mother and daughter. She grew up working with her family at Mitchell’s Supermarket and Western Wear. She played high school basketball and softball continuing her softball career at Louisburg College. After the end of her college career, she took up the game of golf playing with her husband, Dad and friends. She was always ready for a competitive game of kickball with the next generation of nieces, nephews and cousins. During the years Mitch played football, Karen could be found in the stands cheering and filming. Whenever possible, Karen loved spending her free time with family and friends at Atlantic Beach and, in the fall, at NC State football games.

Karen was a faithful member of Mount Carmel Christian Church supporting and serving the church until she was no longer physically able. Karen lived her life with courage and tenacity. While receiving treatment for breast cancer, she could be heard telling herself to “suck it up buttercup” before the next chemo treatment. After beating breast cancer, she faced her greatest battle, ALS. She was determined to make the most of everyday and not to be robbed of precious time with her family and friends. She won the final battle and is now rejoicing in the presence of the Lord.

Mrs. Blackley is survived by her husband of 39 years, Robert H. Blackley, Jr., whose unwavering support was a pillar of strength through every chapter of their lives together; her beloved son, Bruce Mitchell Blackley; brother, Larry Mitchell and his wife, Eden; two nieces Jessica Mitchell Wilkins and her husband, Holden; Jennifer Mitchell High and her husband, Michael; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Donnie, Joy and Leigha Boyd for all the care and love shown to Karen during her courageous battle with ALS. The family would also like to thank Anna, Sonya and all the other caregivers who too numerous to name for their care of Karen.

The family appreciates flowers or memorials may be made in memory of Karen to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund at the link attached.

 A visitation will be held in her loving honor at Gentry-Newell & Vaughan on Saturday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, all are welcome to share time with the family. A funeral service to honor Karen’s life will be held at Mt. Carmel Christian Church, located at 4137 Old Franklinton Road in Franklinton, NC, on May 10, 2026. The service will begin at 2:00 PM and conclude at 3:00 PM. This gathering will be a heartfelt celebration of a woman who embodied kindness and strength, whose smile and spirit enriched the lives of all fortunate enough to know her.

Karen Leigh Blackley’s journey was one of grace, resilience, and love — a radiant light dimmed too soon but forever shining in the hearts of those she touched. May her memory be a blessing and her spirit rest gently by the shore she so dearly loved.