Lillian Mitchell Blake

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth." -3 John 1:4
It is with sadness that her family announces the passing of the matriarch and heart of their family on March 29, 2025. Lillian was blessed to have 98 full years of life, surrounded by her family and friends in a community she loved. She was born in Knox County, Tennessee to W.B. and Eula-Fennel Mitchell on November 14, 1926. After graduating from Carter High School, Lillian married her high school sweetheart John "Rennie" Blake, Sr. in 1945 and later welcomed three children. Lillian devoted her time and love to her family, to working alongside her husband on their farm and to working 27 years in Knox County School System's food services at Carter High School. She was a member of Caledonia Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and lent a helping hand anytime a need arose. She will be lovingly remembered as one who opened up her home to others, for tirelessly caring for her husband and mother in their later years and for cooking many a meal, including her specialty of fried okra.
Lillian leaves behind a godly legacy. Her greatest joy was knowing her children, grandchildren, their spouses and those great-grandchildren who are of age, and all walk with the Lord.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter (W.B) Mitchell and Eula Mitchell; her beloved husband, Rennie, of 53 years; her brother, C.B. Mitchell; and younger sister, Ella Jean Thornton Stout.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Connie (Dr. Dale) Gibson, Joy (Rev. Mike) Bundon, Dr. John Rennie, Jr. (Kim) Blake; 8 grandchildren, Holly (Jonathan) North, Dr. Jonathan (Heather) Bundon, Michaela (Dr. Jason) Odom, Dr. Andria (Scott) Onishi, Dr. Lesley (Dr. Jeremy) Pickell, Dr. Joshua (Dr. Stephanie) Blake, Pastor Kelley (Candace) Blake and Dr. Patrick (Abigail) Blake; as well as 17 great-grandchildren (with one on the way). In addition, she leaves behind her sister, Betty Blake; her cousin, Trecia Hardin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her family would like to thank Wilbur and Donna Blake, who brought her farm fresh food; her caregiver, Amanda Wallace; and the teams at Sacred Ground and Covenant Hospice for their expertise and care.
While her family mourns Lillian's loss, they rejoice in the knowledge that she is now in the presence of the Lord, in a glorified body, reunited with family that have gone before. They are thankful for the godly example she set and the prayers she offered each day on her family's behalf. It cannot be known, this side of heaven, the blessings her family and others enjoy because of her faithfulness to her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Family and friends will meet at 9:45 AM on Saturday, April 5 at Caledonia Cemetery, 7817 Ruggles Ferry Pike, Knoxville, TN for a 10:00 AM graveside service. A Celebration of Life service will immediately follow at Caledonia Presbyterian Church. The service will be led by Lillian's grandsons, Pastor Kelley Blake, Dr. Jason Odom and Dr. Jonathan Bundon, as well as Rev. Tom Ballard.
Lillian's grandsons and two eldest great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Smile Train or to Caledonia Presbyterian Church with a designation to either the John Rennie Blake Pavilion or community missions.
Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lillian, please visit our floral store.