07/09/2026
Apostle William L. Blackwell, Sr., DD
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Apostle William L. Blackwell, Sr., D.D. It is with profound sadness, yet with humble and grateful hearts, that we announce the transition of Apostle William L. Blackwell, Sr., D.D., who entered eternal rest on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Apostle Blackwell was a devoted servant of God whose life, leadership, wisdom, and ministry touched countless lives. Although our hearts are saddened by his passing, we rejoice in knowing that he faithfully completed his earthly assignment and is now resting in the presence of the Lord. Please continue to keep the Blackwell family and the United Holiness Church of Life family lifted in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” — Psalm 116:15On Friday, July 17, 2026 viewing will take place from 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. at Shivers Funeral Chapel with reflections and remarks from 4:30-6:00pm. The Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 11:00am at Solomon's Temple Church, 15088 Mt. Holly Creek Lane , Smithfield, Va. All participants are kindly asked to arrive at the church by 10:15 a.m. Interment will follow at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens in Suffolk, Virginia.
May the life and legacy of Apostle William L. Blackwell, Sr. continue to inspire generations to serve God with faithfulness, humility, and love. Rest well, faithful servant. Your labor was not in vain.
Obituary
Apostle William L. Blackwell Sr. was a devoted servant of God whose life was defined by unwavering faith, steadfast perseverance, and an unshakable commitment to the Kingdom of God. A loving husband, father, pastor, and founder of the United Holiness Church of Life, Inc.,he walked with purpose, stood firmly on the promises of God, and faithfully served the Lord, his family, the ministry, and all those whose lives he touched. He entered eternal rest on July 8, 2026, at the age of 86.
He carried himself with dignity and grace, offering guidance, prayer, encouragement, and leadership to many. His enduring motto, “A quitter never wins and a winner never quits,” reflected the determination and steadfast faith that marked his journey. For 67 years, he shared ablessed and enduring marriage with his beloved wife, Executive Mother Juliaette B. Blackwell. Together, they served faithfully in ministry and built a life rooted in prayer, love, family, and dedication to God. Through their union, they were blessed with six children: William Jr.,Bertram, Julia, Brian, Eric, and Keisha.
Apostle Blackwell is survived by his loving wife, Executive Mother Juliaette B. Blackwell; his children and their spouses, William Jr. (Andreana), Bertram (Tonette), Julia (Fritz), Brian(Robbie), Eric (Michelle), and Keisha (Roderick); along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, spiritual sons and daughters, church family, and friends who will forever cherish his memory and honor his legacy. While his family was the center of his earthly life, his calling to ministry became the work to which he devoted himself for more than five decades.
In 1976, the Lord gave Bishop Blackwell the vision that would become the United Holiness Church of Life, Inc. In January of that year, the Lord instructed him to separate himself for a season of prayer and consecration. During a seven-day shut-in in February 1976, God spoke directly to his heart and revealed the vision that would become the United Holiness Church of Life. Returning from that experience with a renewed sense of purpose, Bishop Blackwell delivered a message entitled “Let’s Cross Over,” challenging believers to trust God and move forward by faith. Though many questioned his decision to leave familiar surroundings and begin anew, he remained committed to the vision God had entrusted to him.
A skilled contractor by trade and a visionary builder in both the natural and the spiritual, Bishop Blackwell personally renovated the ministry's earliest worship facilities. Through faith, sacrifice, and perseverance, the church grew and expanded. After establishing churches in Hampton and Newport News, Virginia, God directed him to Smithfield, Virginia, in 1980.
Despite resistance and the loss of many members, Bishop Blackwell remained faithful to God’s leading. For a season, services were held in the family home with only a small group of believers. Yet God blessed the ministry, and the congregation eventually grew large enough to occupy a rented facility in the heart of Smithfield. Through prayer, hard work, and unwavering faith, a new church sanctuary was constructed and dedicated in October 1983.
As the ministry continued to expand, additional churches became affiliated with the organization. Though challenges and setbacks arose, Bishop Blackwell remained steadfast, trusting God’s promises and continuing to pursue the vision placed before him. After years of planning, fundraising, and construction, a beautiful new sanctuary was dedicated on January 22, 1994,marking another significant milestone in the ministry’s history.
Throughout the years, Bishop Blackwell faithfully preached the Gospel, mentored leaders, and encouraged believers to trust God in every season of life. Even while facing serious health challenges, he continued to exemplify the faith he had taught for decades. In 2009, after many years of pastoral leadership, he transitioned from active pastoring to focus on his role as Chief Apostle of the United Holiness Church of Life.
Today, the United Holiness Church of Life stands as a living testimony that one person's obedience to God's voice can leave an eternal imprint on generations to come. What began with one man’s willingness to anser God’s call has become a lasting ministry legacy that continues to impact lives and advance the Kingdom of God.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Blackwell; his father, Charles Beck; his grandmother, Alice P. Blackwell; and his brother, Albert H. Blackwell.
Though Apostle William L. Blackwell Sr. has answered his final earthly call, the work God accomplished through his life continues. His legacy lives on through his beloved family, the United Holiness Church of Life, the leaders he mentored, and the countless lives transformed by the Gospel he so faithfully preached.
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