Eleanor Leilani Blackwell

Eleanor Leilani (Pruitt) Blackwell, 81, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on March 18, 2026, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. 

Known as “Leilani,” she was born to the late Clarence Pruitt, Sr and Eleanor (Burton) Pruitt. She lived a life rooted in unwavering devotion to her family, always placing their needs above her own and cherishing every moment spent together.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Ray Blackwell; her son, James “Jimmy” Quarles, Jr.; her sons-in-law, Stan Williams and James “Chip” Berry III; her great-granddaughter, Cynthia Worthington; her brothers, Clarence “Bubba” Pruitt, Jr., Ben Pruitt, and Bob Pruitt; and her dear sister, June (Pruitt) Kelly.

Leilani is survived by her daughters, Angela (Quarles) Williams (Bill Julian), Wanda (Quarles) Berry, and Judy (Quarles) Holden (Glen). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Ashley W. Worthington (Brett), Nicholas Barfield (Lauren), Courtney B. Burns, James “Jay” Berry, IV, AnnaLee B. Johnston (Eric), and Allison Williams (Kaela). She is also survived by her step-grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a large extended family of nieces and nephews, who held a special place in her heart.

She is further survived by her loving brothers, Don Pruitt (MaryJane), Lott Pruitt (Linda), and Larry Pruitt (Cindy), sisters-in-law Vera Pruitt, Mary Jane Pruitt and brother-in-law Jim Kelly. 

After more than 30 years of dedicated service, rising through the ranks at Seibels Bruce Insurance Company, and later PMC, Leilani retired to embrace her greatest joy: traveling with her husband. Together, she and Ray made the most of every opportunity, creating cherished memories along the way. She and Ray shared a deep love and truly enjoyed every moment they spent together.

Leilani’s faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She passionately believed God has a plan for each of us, and her trust in Him never wavered, even during life’s greatest challenges.She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family finds comfort in knowingshe is now resting in the presence of our Lord.

A celebration of Eleanor Leilani Blackwell’s life will be held at a later date.