Mary Blake Obituary
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She retired from the Veteran's Administration where she worked as a Certified Nurse's Assistant for about 14 years. She was a caregiver for the Vet's in the VA's Nursing Home. She loved that job and tried every day to treat the veterans with dignity and respect.
Joyce is preceded in death by her father, Raymond Paul Lunsford (Vet of WWII), her mother Bertha Mae Rider, her daughters Shelly Marie Handy (Jeff) and Jackie Gayle Scott, her brothers Joe Allphin, Terry Allphin, and Robert Lunsford, and her husband and children's father James Eddie Blake, Sr.
Her mourning immediate family includes her brothers Ronnie Allphin and Tim Lunsford (Valerie), her sister Donna McPherron (Victor), and her son Eddie Blake and his wife Kathy Blake. Joyce's grandchildren include Tim Blake (Louise), Tara Beach (Shawn), Brittany Murphy (Marcus), Hunter Blake, Tanner Blake and Amanda Matlock (Dustin). Her great grandchildren include McKenzie, Mason, Madison, and Myles Kindoll; Caylee, Ariana and Myla Murphy; Isaiah, Luke and Brandi Matlock; Audrianna and Adiline Blake. Great, great grandchild is Leanna Kindoll. Family members who continued to have close contact her were Jason and Billi Jo Lunsford. Her most special friends were Christine Allphin (Chip), Teresa Blake-Smith (Doug) and Gracie Yelton.
Mom will be most remembered for her nurturing and caring attitude. She never turned away those in need but didn't coddle those who could and should do better. She was the calm voice in the hurricane whispering, 'Just keep moving forward and it'll get better' as well as "You're gettin' on my nerves".
The family will receive friends and loved ones on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville. Burial will follow at Mayes Addition of Oakwood Cemetery in Huntsville.
Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www.shmfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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1700 Normal Park Dr., Huntsville, TX 77340
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