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Lillie Bell Blakley
Jan. 6, 1917 - Jan. 9, 2013
Lillie Bell Blakley was born January 6, 1917 in Birmingham, Alabama the third of nine children born from the union of Wink and Corean Payne (Cora Mae, Conzella, Henry, James, Joseph, Dorothy, George, and Raulen). Following a brief marriage to Oscar Trives, father of Nathaniel, her first born, Lillie with her son left Birmingham and moved to Richmond, Indiana where she met and married James Bart Blakley on December 15, 1938, her beloved husband of sixty two years. Benjamin was their first born, followed by Rachel, Joyce, Bart and Carol. The family roots were started in Alabama, weaving through Indiana, Ohio and California.
Lillie was a homemaker in Richmond, with memories of family picnics in the idyllic Glenn Miller Park and its rolling hills and trails. Her skills in the kitchen made the outings even more memorable. James drove Lillie around town in a Model T Ford. Two homes were important places in Richmond because they each resulted in the births of Benjamin and Rachel. Her sister Cora Mae met and married a minister, Bro. Dave Christmon, and that union, in large measure, led to Lillie's lifelong
fellowship with the Church of Christ.
During World War II, she supplemented the household income of James by working part-time for Glendale's elite, as he worked in an Aircraft engine building company in Lockland, Ohio. The Buckeye state was also the birthplace of Joyce and Bart. They moved from Lockland to Glendale, Ohio, a middle class community that is today on the National Register. Living in an antebellum home on three acres of land meant fresh fruit and vegetables, chickens and pets, while still being in a suburban environment. Lillie learned about the PTA while preparing for the end of the War and a 1949 exit from Ohio, in the true Go West spirit.
Lillie, James and the children loaded into the family 1948 Ford Woody Station Wagon for the cross country trek to Santa Monica, California where the family was supported by the fact that James worked for Sidney F. Brody, Developer of the first Mall in California and Lillie doubled as a house wife and part-time celebrity chef for the likes of nationally known Band Director, Nelson Riddle. Work was more plentiful, schools were great and the family was still growing with the birth of Carol. After eleven years in Santa Monica, where the family lived in a newly built house, it was time to explore other parts of Los Angeles County. The Family worshiped at the Santa Monica Church of Christ led by Evangelist Burl Davis, followed by O.J. Dyson.
Lillie loved large spacious houses, so the family landed on Vista Laguna in the fashionable North Westside of Pasadena. She was a pristine housekeeper, everything in place with aristocratic taste, yet with the makings of a warm and friendly home. She hosted many fine family gatherings at the Vista Laguna home particularly in the garden with its cumquats and other fruits. She worked as a practical nurse in convalescent homes and volunteered at homes for the elderly. She defied anyone to keep up with her as she walked the streets of Pasadena at a pace that many athletes would envy. Lillie maintained the home for thirty-five years before deciding to downsize because the family had all grown up and move on with their lives. Lillie never forgot her faith and continued to worship at Lincoln Avenue Church of Christ.
Lillie stayed in Pasadena for the next eighteen years on the rim of Eaton Canyon. On December 5, 1997, her fifth child Bart predeceased her as a result of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome resulting from his Viet Nam War service. She lost her beloved James on October 10, 2000 and the strength of a strong Christian faith stood her well as she lived alone as the matriarch of her family for the past twelve years. Although she lived alone, she enjoyed the daily companionship of her middle daughter, "Joy", who lived next door.
Lillie leaves a legacy that will transcend the next century through her remaining children, Nathaniel (Ida), Benjamin (Dorothy), Rachel (Harvey), Joyce, Carol (Willie) and forty-one grand, great grand and great-great grandchildren. Her legacy also includes a host of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sisters and brothers: Cora Mae, James, Conzella, Henry, George and Raulen. She is survived by her brother Joseph Payne, sister Dorothy Banks and a host of nephew, nieces, cousins, countless friends and brothers and sisters-in-Christ.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
When we all see Jesus what a day of rejoicing that will be. Carol I believe my Grandmother and your Mom are sitting side by side singing, rejoicing, and dancing. She truly made this world a better place simply because of her presence. RIP Mrs. Lillie B. Blakley.
Vicki G
February 5, 2013
Praise God for such a beautiful testimony of life! Carol...you are a testament to your Mom! BEAUTIFUL! Blessed are those that die in the Lord! Kevin & Rhonda Ford
KT Ford
January 28, 2013
To the Blakley Family much love forever...The Carr Family-Butch, Rosemary, Abeni, Clarence and Isaiah
Rosemary James-Carr
January 18, 2013
She bid no one a last farewell, she said "Goodbye" to none. Her loving heart had ceased to beat, Before we knew it, she was gone. She did not fail to do her best, Her heart was true and tender; She worked hard for those she loved, and will ever be remembered.
Your niece, Pattie Maddox-Delk
January 17, 2013
Ant Liiie Bell you will truely be missed. I was fortuned enough to have known you and remember all the good times we had when I was a child. My mother would tell my sisters and me that Uncle James & Ant Lillie Bell was coming to visit us in Nashville & we would get so excited! After my grandmother(Bertha Maddox) & grandfather(Charles Maddox) passed, it really meant something to me when they would come to visit us reminding me of my grandparents. I will never forget you "AND ALL LIKA THAT" lol... and love all of you.
Brian(Bunkey) Wilson
January 17, 2013
Carol, God's blessings and peace to you and your family at this time. What a beautiful life Lillie Bell lead, and I know from having met her, she'd done all she needed to do here and is on to her Glory. All our love to each of you.
Gotha, Rodney, Kevin and Iszabella Johnson
January 17, 2013
Dear Carol & Family,
Heartfelt thoughts to you all at this time. I hope in time u will find comfort in knowing that your loved one lived the length and the width of a beautiful life! "Blessings in all ways"
V. Sherii
January 17, 2013
To: Carol, Joy, Rachel,Ben and Nathaniel
Your mom is gone from her earthly home but your precious memories of her will always be with you. Memories are treasures that no one can steal. Keep those memories with you at all times, they will come in handy.Your memories will take away your sadness, dry your tears, keep you warm and be there to call on when needed.
Your mom will be closer that a phone call away because she will always be there with each of you,in your heart.
Celebrate her life! mourn her passing! and look forward to seeing her again.
We Love You
Dwight,Gayl & Damian Kirby
Gayl Kirby
January 16, 2013
Joyce, my condolences to you and family.
Betty Whitlow
January 16, 2013
I do not know you, but after reading Mrs. Blakley's obituary, I felt compelled in my spirit to reach out and express my condolences to the family. She sounds like someone I would have enjoyed knowing. What a blessing to have so much fruit remaining. May memories of her and the love of God comfort you all.
Marilyn Balmer
January 16, 2013
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