Danette Jane Briggs Harris Blackwood, born May 15, 1945, in Brownsville, Texas, passed away on September 1, 2026, in Clovis, California. She was a beloved educator and cherished member of her community who passed away peacefully at her senior living community after a long battle with dementia. The daughter of Daniel and Alma Briggs, her life was a testament to the power of education, love, and community service.

At age eight, she moved to California and eventually settled in Sanger. A proud graduate of the Sanger High School Class of 1963, Danette continued her education at Reedley College and Fresno State.

In April 1966, Danette married and began her family, welcoming a daughter in December of that year. In 1970, after completing her finals, she welcomed her second child, a son. Her long and dedicated career in education began with student teaching at Caver Elementary from 1970 to 1971. In 1971, she was hired by Sanger Unified, teaching at Lincoln Elementary until 1974 before moving to Jefferson Elementary. She remained in the same classroom, teaching the same grade, until her retirement in 2010 after thirty-nine years of service. Danette's classroom was a haven of learning, discipline, and encouragement, where she fostered the dreams and aspirations of countless young minds. Her impact as a master teacher was profound, and her legacy lives on through the achievements of her students.

Beyond the classroom, Danette was deeply involved in her community. She rose through the chairs of the Rainbow Girls, influenced by her mother who served as a Mother Advisor and was a member of the Eastern Star. She also served as a "chapter dad’s wife" for the DeMolay Boys. In 1992, she married Ron Blackwood. Throughout her life, she shared her talents by directing choir and playing the piano, always setting a positive example for her students.

Danette was a devoted member of the Sanger Bible Church and actively participated in the community through her involvement with the Sanger Unified Teachers Association, where she once served as president. Outside of her professional and community commitments, Danette had a passion for collecting knick-knacks and cherished moments spent with friends over coffee, engaging in conversations that highlighted her vast knowledge of Sanger’s history.

A devoted sports fan, she loved watching football at Tom Flores Stadium—she was forever an Apache and a loyal fan of the 49ers. She cherished having Christmas with her family and found great joy in watching her great-grandchildren, Brea and Duke.

She is survived by her two children, Mary Richelle Harris Pointdexter Dickinson (Robert) and Richard Davis Harris (Julie). She leaves behind grandchildren Anthony James Pointdexter and Justin Robert Dickinson, as well as four great-grandchildren: Taylor, Brea, Duke, and Samuel. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Pat Blackwood and Kimberly House; four additional grandchildren, Michael, Robert, Kristina, and Mathew House; and grandchildren James and Eden Grace. Danette loved her children and stepchildren dearly and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In honoring her memory, the family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Saddle Ridge and Memory Care Coordinator Betsy Ross, to Lenity Hospice, and to the Sanger Bible Church for their unwavering support.

A celebration of Danette's life was held on September 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Sanger Bible Church, located at 730 O St, Sanger, CA 93657.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Sanger Bible Church in Danette's honor. Danette’s life was a beacon of love, education, and community, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.