Agnes N. Blake

Agnes Naomi Blake was born February 27, 1932in Accomac County, Va. to the late Betty Downing and Charlie Parker. She departed this life on September 26, 2025, after a long illness.

Agnes attended school in Accomac County, Va. Agnes had a long work history, starting out at a young age working in the fields of Virginia.She later moved to Delaware, then started working at Perdue chicken plant in Maryland, and then went on to work at Swift Chicken plant in Georgetown, De. for 20+ years. Agnes moved to Wilmington in 1978 and started her career at Ingleside Retirement Home. She worked there from 1978 to 1995 in the housekeeping department, and she also did laundry at night for most of the residents. She retired from Ingleside in September 1995 but went right back to work in October 1995. As a part time job, she worked as a housekeeper for the late Reverend Ronald and Linda Dyson. Agnes loved to work! She worked until she was 88.

Agnes was a loyal member of Temple United Church for 50+ years under the leadership of Apostle Doctor John T. Graham. During her time at Temple United, she worked in the Dining Ministry, and she then became a mother of the Church. While serving in the Dining Ministry, she loved to cook, clean and serve the people of God.

Agnes was known to speak her mind. If she met you and you said hello Agnes, she would say- that's Mrs. Agnes to you! She was serious and straight forward, but she had a loving heart for all. Everyone that knew Agnes, especially on 6th Street, called her mom. She was an excellent cook and she loved to cook, especially for her Family on Sunday mornings. She also loved to sing. She would say listen to the song I made up: (I had money, fine cars and all I could want in life, but I didn't have anything until I found Jesus Christ) Her favorite saying was: if God don't do another thing for me, he has done enough for me in my life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Betty Downing and Charlie Parker, her Husband the love of her life, Frank Blake. Her siblings, Sanders Downing, Sarah Lee Downing, Ed Bibbins, Ethel Warren, James Bibbins and Annie Spence. Her children, Herbert L. Custis and Vicky M. Christmas.

She is survived by her son, Thomas Parker {Rachel); daughters, Violet Wescott and Annie Holden-Muhammad (Brady); a granddaughter and grandson whom she raised, Victoria Holden & Rashad Holden; host of grandchildren; great grandchildren; and great; great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends.

I have fought a good fight,

I have finished my course; I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,

Which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: And not to·me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing II Timothy 4:7-8