Dr. Marala Blackmon

Dr. Marala Fay Blackmon received her heavenly wings surrounded by the love, prayers, and cherished memories of those whose lives she touched so deeply. She was a woman of excellence, wisdom, elegance, and unwavering faith. Marala leaves behind a legacy rooted in education, leadership, family, and service.

Born on March 23, 1959, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Will Blackmon and Rennell Frank Blackmon, Marala was the beloved middle child of four siblings.  She shared a close bond with her siblings: Amanda Marie Blackmon, younger brother Will Blackmon III, and younger sister Elziana Monique "Neekey" Blackmon-Johnson. From an early age, Marala accepted Christ under the leadership of Reverend F. A. Allen at Greater Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church. She carried a strong spirit, a sharp mind, and a nurturing heart that would later define the woman so many admired and respected.

Education was one of Marala's greatest passions. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Texas at Austin.  Additionally, Marala attended Louisiana State University Law School and South Texas College of Law (before realizing her true passion, Education). Later, Marala obtained her Master of Education and Principal Certification from Walden University. Never one to stop striving for greatness, she continued pursuing her Doctorate in Education while also completing leadership programs through Harvard Graduate School of Education and Rice University. Her pursuit of excellence inspired everyone around her.

Marala dedicated over 30 years of her life to education and leadership through Houston Independent School District.  Throughout her remarkable career, she served as a Teacher, Specialist, Interim Principal, Principal, Regional Manager, and Program Manager. She was widely respected for her ability to mentor educators, transform struggling campuses, and advocate for students and families in underserved communities. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment to children earned her the honor of HISD Principal of the Year in 2011.

Marala was more than an educator; she was a builder of people. She believed deeply in creating opportunities for others and helping people recognize their full potential. Whether she was developing future principals, supporting struggling families, mentoring teachers, or encouraging students, she always led with both strength and compassion. She carried herself with grace, professionalism, and dignity, while never losing the warmth that made others feel comfortable in her presence.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

A True Warrior--Marala was also a true warrior whose strength inspired everyone around her. In 2014, she underwent a life-changing liver transplant and courageously fought through numerous medical obstacles afterward. Later that same year, she contracted a severe case of pneumonia that left her hospitalized for months and temporarily unable to speak or breathe on her own. Despite the uncertainty and challenges she faced, Marala refused to give up. Through faith, determination, and resilience, she fought her way back and made a remarkable recovery.

 In 2025, Marala faced yet another major battle when she underwent triple bypass heart surgery. Once again, Marala showed her unwavering strength and perseverance by pushing through recovery with grace and determination. Also, Marala was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease. She was currently receiving dialysis three times a week. After overcoming so many health challenges, she proudly returned to teaching in April 2026 because, as she often said, she wanted to end her career the same way she began it, by teaching and pouring into others. Marala accomplished everything she set out to achieve in life and overcame every obstacle placed before her. Marala left this world having fought her battles and is finally able to rest peacefully.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Marala was a God-fearing woman whose journey of faith led her to become a member of Covenant Glen United Methodist Church under the leadership of Dr. Robert Childress.  Marala was also the heart of her family.  She was known as the family Event Coordinator, and no celebration was ever too big or too small for her magical touch. From holidays and birthdays to family reunions and special occasions, Marala believed family deserved to celebrate life beautifully. Her hosting talents were unmatched, and she had a gift for bringing people together with elegance, laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. Her hobbies included: fishing, going to the movies, spending time with family, and pressing her luck at the casino!

Though she did not have children of her own, Marala poured endless love into her nieces, nephew, and Godchildren. She shared a special bond with her nephew and Godson Matthew Brandon Blackmon Bell, Goddaughter and niece Chloe Rennell Johnson, and niece Taylor Monique Blackmon. She loved fiercely, protected deeply; and always made sure her family knew they were supported, encouraged, and loved beyond measure.

Marala had a presence that could light up any room. She was intelligent, classy, stylish, thoughtful, and exceptionally organized. She had high standards, a generous heart, and a beautiful ability to make people feel important. Her wisdom, laughter, advice, and love will forever remain etched into the hearts of all who knew her.

Although our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing that Dr. Marala Fay Blackmon leaves behind a powerful legacy of excellence, faith, family, education, leadership, and love. Her impact will continue living on through every life she touched, every student she inspired, every educator she mentored, and every family memory she helped create.

Dr. Marala Fay Blackmon was preceded in death by her parents Will and Rennell Blackmon.  She is survived by her loving siblings: Amanda Marie Blackmon, Will Blackmon III, and Elziana Monique "Neekey" Blackmon-Johnson, along with her beloved Godson and nephew Matthew Brandon Blackmon Bell, Goddaughter and niece Chloe Rennell Johnson, niece Taylor Monique Blackmon, and a host of family members, friends, colleagues, students, and loved ones who will cherish her memory forever.

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