Deacon Cordell Blockson

Deacon Cordell Blockson was born in Winnsboro Louisiana on April 11, 1950. His parents were Doris Weber and Mr. Clarence Blockson.

He had four siblings who all preceded him in death Sadie, Bubba, Tommie, and Zettie.

His family moved to Monroe Louisiana when he was just a young boy. There he formed a lifelong friendship with the Carter family, and especially the Carter brothers. They were playfully mischievous like young boys are, and young Cordell earned a reputation as a fighter. At the tender age of 7 he formed his first crush for a little young girl named Etta Faye Carter, the sister of his new found friends.

He attended Carroll high school then entered the Job Corps where he earned his license as a heavy equipment operator.

He also became a pretty good boxer becoming a Golden Gloves Triple Crown boxing champion in three states. At the golden age of 17 he decided it was time to move to Portland, Oregon so he hopped on a bus with almost no money, but plenty of faith. The Lord led him to some great people who helped him in Oregon the Pittman's. He quickly got a job at Esco Corporation as a heavy equipment operator, and continued his employment there over 25 years, and becoming a supervisor. Oh yeah remember that little girl crush at 7 years old Etta Faye Carter, well on March 14th, 1974 in Vancouver Washington she became Etta Faye Blockson. He always referred to her as the love of his life. They remained happily married until his death, and she was with him at his last breath. His last words were "I'm happy ".  He and Etta had 3 children Gabi Blockson Smith (O'Brian Smith), Veronica Robin (Marcus Robin), and Mr. Courtney Blockson.

Cordell became a business owner and philanthropist owning everything from convenience stores, bingo halls, restaurants, nightclubs, and boxing promotions. He is listed as the very first Black licensed professional boxing promoter in the state of Oregon. He hosted greats like Jim Brown, and Leon Spinks, and many stars of the Pacific Northwest frequented his establishments. 

After spending many years in Portland Oregon, he relocated back to Monroe where he continued his quest to help and uplift the needy and disenfranchised.

On March 10, 1996, he united with Greater Free Gift Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Rodney McFarland, I.  He served as a deacon and a member of the trustee board until the Lord called him home.

He departed this life on June 10, 2021.

Cordell is preceded in death by his parents, Doris Weber and Clarence Blockson; four siblings Sadie Runnels, Henry Blockson, Zettie Blockson and Tommie Blockson. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Etta Carter Blockson of Monroe, Louisiana; two sons, Courtney Blockson of Monroe, Louisiana and Travis (Trish) Carter of Atlanta, Gerogia ; two daughters, Gabrielle Blockson Smith (O'Brian) of Monroe, Louisiana ; Veronica Wade Robin (Marcus) Waxahachie, Texas; two sisters, Angela Blockson and Margie Blockson both of Monroe; two sisters-in-law, Herbie “Duke” Carter of Monroe, Louisiana and Louise Blockson, of Portland, Oregon; two brothers-in-laws,  Leon Carter, Jr., and Nathaniel Carter, both of Monroe, Louisiana; numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and the Greater Free Gift Baptist Church family.

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