Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Deacon Cordell Blockson was born in Winnsboro, LA, on April 11, 1950. His parents were Doris Weber and Mr. Clarence Blockson. His family moved to Monroe, LA, when he was just a young boy. There he formed a lifelong friendship with the Carter family, especially the Carter brothers. They were playful, mischievous young boys, and young Cordell earned his fighter reputation with them. At the tender age of 7, he experienced his first crush for a young girl named Etta Faye Carter, the sister of his newfound friends. Blockson attended Carroll High School then entered the Job Corps, where he earned his license as a heavy equipment operator. He also became a boxer and eventually became 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 little money but lots of faith. The Lord led him to the Pittmans, some great people who helped him in Oregon. He quickly got a job at Esco Corporation as a heavy equipment operator and continued his employment for over 25 years. While employed there, he was promoted to supervisor. On March 14, 1974, in Vancouver, Washington, Etta Faye and Cordell Blockson wed in Holy Matrimony. He always referred to her as the love of his life. They remained happily married until his death, and she was with him when he took his last breath. His last words were, "I'm happy". He and Etta had three children, Gabi Blockson Smith (O'Brian Smith), Veronica Robin (Marcus Robin), and Courtney Blockson. Cordell became a business owner and philanthropist as he owned and operated convenience stores, bingo halls, restaurants, nightclubs, and boxing promotions. He was 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. 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 was preceded in death by his parents, Doris Weber and Clarence Blockson and four siblings - Sadie Runnels, Henry Blockson, Zettie Blockson, and Tommie Blockson. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Etta Carter Blockson; two sons - Courtney Blockson of Monroe, LA and Travis (Trish) Carter of Atlanta, GA; two daughters - Gabrielle Blockson Smith (O'Brian) of Monroe, LA; Veronica Wade Robin (Marcus) Waxahachie, TX; two sisters - Angela Blockson and Margie Blockson both of Monroe, LA; two sisters-in-law - Herbie "Duke" Carter of Monroe, LA and Louise Blockson of Portland, OR; two brothers-in-laws - Leon Carter, Jr. and Nathaniel Carter, both of Monroe, LA; numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and the Greater Free Gift Baptist Church family. His funeral services were held Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at Greater Free Gift Baptist Church in Monroe, LA.

Photo Deacon Cordell Blockson