Mary Alice “Sweet Mary Alice” Blackmon

February 28, 1964 – July 27, 2026

Mary Alice Blackmon, affectionately known by so many as “Sweet Mary Alice,” passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of July 27, 2026, at the age of 62.
Born February 28, 1964, Mary Alice lived a life defined by hard work, compassion, perseverance, and an extraordinary love for others. She possessed a true servant’s heart and was happiest when she was taking care of the people around her.
To know Mary Alice was to know someone who would give you anything she had, even if it was her last. She had an incredible ability to make people feel remembered and cared for. She may not have always remembered a name, but she remembered a face, what you liked to eat, and often what the rest of your family wanted as well.
Her customers were never simply customers. Over the years, countless people walked into her life and became family. She loved them, cared for them, fed them, worried about them, and remembered them.
Mary Alice was also known for her wonderful Southern cooking. Nothing brought her greater joy than feeding the people she loved, and her chicken and dumplings will undoubtedly remain the subject of family stories for generations to come.
She faced the most difficult seasons of her life with remarkable strength and determination. Even while battling illness, Mary Alice continued working and caring for others for as long as she possibly could. Quitting simply was not in her nature.
Mary Alice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Richard Blackmon; her mother, Betty Jo Cox; her father, Harley Samuel Cox; her sister, Matilda Ray; and her brother, Floyd Cox.
She is survived by her sons, Jason Blackmon (Jordan) and Adam Blackmon; her sisters, Delene Berry (Joe) and Jo Cox; her brother, Samuel Cox; a host of nieces and nephews; and countless friends and customers whom she considered part of her family.
Although her family grieves an immeasurable loss, they find comfort knowing that Mary Alice is free from pain and reunited with the loved ones who went before her.
Her work on this earth may be finished, but the example she leaves behind will continue through everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
Her family will forever carry her compassion, determination, work ethic, laughter, recipes, stories, and unconditional love.

A Celebration of Life for Mary Alice will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026
Friends and Public Visitation: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Funeral Service: 12:00 p.m.
Charter Funeral Home
2521 Highway 31
Calera, Alabama 35040