Londa Yvette Martin Akins Blackwell

Londa Yvette Martin Akins Blackwell was born March 8, 1968, in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Lloyd, Sr. and Brenda Morris Martin. She entered into eternal rest on February 28, 2021. During her formative years, she attended Bienville Elementary and F.W. Gregory Junior High School and later graduated from McDonogh 35 High School in 1986. Upon graduation, Londa served both active and reserve duty in the U.S. Army. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Orleans and her Master of Divinity from Oral Roberts University. Following her calling to serve and lead others to the Lord, Londa became an officer and U.S. Army Reserve Chaplain. Her gift of ministry and connection placed her in the role of hospital chaplain at prestigious medical centers across the country. She also made history when she was hired as the first African American female Chaplain at University Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. Londa went on to become an author, breast cancer advocate and sought-after public speaker. She also possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. She owned a day spa, developed her own signature line of skincare products, and worked in real estate as both an agent and mortgage loan officer. During her time in California, she was an active volunteer with the United Nations Association of the United States of America, San Diego Chapter (UNA-USA San Diego) as an advocate for human rights and economic empowerment for women. Her time in California made her an outdoor enthusiast. She developed a love for the ocean along with a talent for tennis, kayaking, and archery. Londa was a member of Mt. Carmel Missionary Ministries, where she was ordained by Apostle Arthal Thomas, Sr. She was a dedicated prayer warrior, which led to the establishment of a national prayer line, birthing the gift intercession in many. She enjoyed early retirement in New Orleans, where she continued in ministry, civic engagement, volunteerism, and expanded her work with the United Nations Association, with the goal of making the world better by showing people how to love and how to love themselves. The ministry launch prior to her departure was a new, 24hr/365 days a year prayer chain called "Prayer Fire 365: Non-Stop Prayer, Non-Stop Care", which would link prayer warriors from all over the world! She is preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Jack Martin, Sr. and her husband, Glen Blackwell. She is survived by her children Rianda (Rob) Brooks, Rogerick Joshua (Cassady), and Joi Akins; mother, Brenda Morris Martin; siblings Tanya, Lloyd, Jr. (Nika), and Craig (Kyana) Martin; grandchildren Jahrabi and Tahilah Brooks, and Stokely Lynch; ex-husband Rogerick Akins, Sr., and a host of relatives and friends. Her faith in God and fervent prayers touched many and she will be greatly missed. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service honoring the life of Ms. Londa Blackwell at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 1020 Virgil Street Gretna, LA 70053 on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am to 10:00 am. As mandated by the State of Louisiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance is limited. Everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing. Interment: Private. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, Gretna, LA 70053. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories, and condolences for the family.