Barbara Blake

PINEHURST - Mrs. Barbara Blake, of Pinehurst, died in her home on Friday, May 15, 2009. Barbara Blake was born to Lola and Herbert Carter on June 29, 1929. She grew up in the town of Jackson Springs and graduated from West End High School. In 1952, Barbara received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Flora Macdonald College - now St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg. Her Masters of Education degree was earned at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1966. Barbara lived her adult life in Pinehurst, where she was a member of Community Presbyterian Church. Time has revealed that Barbara was a woman of gentle demeanor and proper words. She was a nurturer and possessed incredible grit and significant influence. She taught fourth grade in the Red Springs and Aberdeen elementary schools. She initiated the speech therapy program in the Moore County schools, and was a former Moore County schools supervisor for the elementary grades and special education. She spent much time promoting activities for the betterment of her community and state as PTA president, band booster president, junior and senior high Sunday school teacher and Bible school director and as the chair of various fund-raising activities. She was a life-long member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. In recent years, Barbara was the moderator of the Presbyterian Women of the Coastal Carolina Presbytery, chaplin of the Sir Walter Cabinet and member of the board of trustees at St. Andrews Presbyterian College. Besides her many visible contributions were the less public investments that revealed Barbara's deep substance as a wife, mom and caring supporter of many who entered in her path. Barbara Blake is survived by her husband of 56 years, Sen. Harris Blake; daughter, Joy, and son-in-law, Luke Donat, of Wilmington. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. today, Sunday, May 17, at Boles Funeral Home in Pinehurst. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Community Presbyterian Church in Pinehurst. A graveside service will follow at Jackson Springs Cemetery after which friends and family are invited to Barbara's home place, also in Jackson Springs, for food and fellowship. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian College, 1700 Dogwood Mile, Laurinburg, NC 28352. Online condolences may be made to www.bolesfuneralhome.com. Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst is assisting the family.