Gladys "Shirley" Mae Blake

Gladys Mae Blake affectionately known as “Shirley” was called to her Heavenly Home on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center in Easton, Maryland. She was 84.

Shirley was born in Easton on August 15, 1937, to the late Alvin and Frances Johns.

Shirley was educated in the Talbot County Public School system and graduated from Moton High School in 1955. On August 15, 1958, Shirley married Walter Edward Blake Sr., and from this union two children were born, Faith A. Blake and Walter E. Blake Jr. Shirley was a lifetime member of New Queen Esther A.M.E. Church in Ivytown, MD, where she served as an Usher, Steward, and a Communion Stewardess for many years. She was also a member of the American Legion Post#77 Women’s Auxiliary.

Shirley was employed and retired as a Teacher’s Assistant for the Talbot County Board of Education after 37 years of service. After retirement, Shirley was employed as a Caregiver for Home Instead in Easton, MD, where she employed for over 15 years. Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, crossword puzzles, reading Danielle Steele novels, and watching Gomer Pyle and Andy Griffith. Shirley was famous for sweet potato pies and corn pudding!

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Walter E. Blake Sr., brother, Melvin Johns; stepdaughters, Vera Blake, and her nephew, Andre Dixon.

Shirley leaves to cherish loving memories, her loving daughter and son, Faith A. Blake and Walter E. Blake Jr. (Jennifer), three stepdaughters, Barbara Blake, Vanessa Lawrence, Karen Roberts (Edward); one stepson Frank (Marvel) Deshields, five grandchildren, Candace Henry (Garnell), Ke’osha Blake, Jawaun Blake, Keri Blake, and La’Darian Blake (Logan), seven great-grandchildren, Isaiah Brown, Elijah Brown, Christian Brown, Gabrielle Henry, Garnell Henry III, Jewel Blake, and Journee Blake, two sisters, Doris Roach (Roland) and Bertina Thomas, six nieces, Ulandia Potter (Richard), Marcia Potter (Melvin), Lenise Williams, Natalie Taylor, Monica Wilmer (Wallace), and Donnia Williams., two nephews, Dale Roach (Dee) and Patrick Dixon (Amy), and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

A special thank you to Dr. Mary Deshields, Kim Brice, and Lee from the Cancer Center at University of Maryland Shore Regional Health.

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