Amanda Blackwell

Amanda “Mandy” Gail Blackwell (Higgs) passed away October 13, 2018 at her home in Cypress, TX.  Born February 19, 1969 in Oklahoma City, OK to Joseph Higgs and Joyce Sampson.  She is survived by her beloved husband Scott Blackwell, two beloved children, Rebecca Lausman and Daniel Harris and siblings Brian Higgs and Cara Green.

Mandy brought humor and positivity to every life she touched; creating a treasure trove of memories for those she loved. Equipped with a silver-lining perspective, an open heart that knew no boundaries and held no judgement against her fellow man; she made fast and close friendships wherever her journey took her.

Friendships were created locally and globally throughout her life.  During her formative years in Texas, she touched lives in Temple, Tyler, Minden, Henderson, New London, Dimmitt, and Canyon; making bonds wherever the family moved.  Mandy graduated from Canyon High School in 1987 and attended West Texas State University for a short time before relocating to Kansas City in 1988.

Kansas City was Mandy’s home for the majority of her adult life.  A loving wife and adoring mother, her children were her utmost priority; raising them with unconditional love and an unbreakable bond.  Their home was also a gathering place for the children’s friends, who were all part of her extended family and loved unconditionally.

In 2016, Mandy’s journey reconnected her to Scott.  She moved to Lagos, Nigeria, joining Scott while he was working abroad.  She made new friends across several different cultures and brought joy and laughter to everyone she met.  Mandy and Scott were officially married in March 2018 and relocated to Cypress, TX in July 2018.

Mandy never met a stranger and was blessed with the gift to engage anyone in conversation.  She welcomed everyone with a warm smile, a humorous story, and an open heart; creating life-long friendships and memories along her journey.

Please join us as we celebrate her life at 3 PM on Friday October 26th at Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210, reception to follow.

“As much as flowers are appreciated, they fade over time.  We ask that you would consider giving a gift in Mandy’s name to your local church or either of the following ministries: International Justice Mission (https://www.ijm.org/) or Elijah Rising (https://donate.elijahrising.org/)”