BETSY JEAN MCLURE BLAKE

BETSY JEAN MCLURE BLAKE Betsy Jean McLure Blake, age 57, died peacefully in her sleep on June 26, 2011. A long time resident of Opelika, Alabama, she was born on October 18, 1953. Her parents were the late Betty and Randy McLure. She is survived by her husband, George Blake; daughter, Elizabeth Brown; sister, Missy Magdon (Stan); brother, Roy McLure (Vicki); nephews, Turner Otwell, Taylor Otwell, and Jeff McLure; her aunt, Jean Marchetta and uncle, Joe Marchetta of Ohio; two cousins, Joey Marchetta (Julie) and Vince Marchetta (Betsy). She is also survived by her beloved long-time family friend, Ocie M. Jefferson (Sam). Betsy graduated from Opelika High School in 1971. She attended Judson College and completed her education at Auburn University, in 1974. After graduation, Betsy worked for WAUD in Auburn, AL, as Office Manager. Using her skills in sales and communication, she became a buyer for Computer Sciences Corporation in Falls Church, VA, and in January of 1980 accepted a job as Human Resources Supervisor with Data Technology Corporation, Opelika, Alabama. In 1986 she moved to Shape Global Technologies in Dadeville, AL, where she was Vice President of Sales from May 1986 until December 2000. She later moved to Vice President of Sales for Carthuplas, Inc., in Kennebunkport, Maine. When health issues dictated that Betsy give up her sales career with its long hours and constant travel, she focused on what she could do, rather than what she could no longer do. With her infectious smile, enthusiasm and tireless energy, she devoted herself to her Church and to the Opelika community. Betsy loved the Lord and began everyday with joy. She went on three mission trips to Honduras with the Baptist Church where she sponsored three Honduran children. She delighted in her participation in the Project Uplift youth mentoring program. She became a mediator registered on the Alabama State roster and aided in the settlement of court cases for the District and Family courts. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school, children's church, and Vacation Bible School, and became a yoga instructor and favorite teacher of the Silver Sneakers group at the Opelika Sportsplex. She was a member of longstanding of the Delphi Study Club and her programs on the lives of persons, such as Cleopatra and Lulu Buffett, were theatrical productions worthy of Broadway. Betsy had a nurturing heart for people and animals. She was a comforter to those in need and gave of herself without hesitation. She never forgot a birthday or missed an occasion, and her home was always open to her friends, both old and new. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched. A memorial service will be held at Opelika First Baptist Church on Wednesday, June 29, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Project Uplift, or to the First Baptist Church of Opelika youth ministries. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements. www.jeffcoattrant.com