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Dolly Blake Obituary
1920 - 2009
Pensacola native Dolly Drew McCaskill Blake passed away at 6:58 am Monday, September 28, 2009, at Covenant Hospice on Hillview Rd in Pensacola.
Dolly Drew was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert D. Blake, who died March 7, 1990; her parents, Elma Elizabeth Anderson McCaskill (1887-1930) and Dan Frazier McCaskill (1879-1934); and her beloved sisters, Margaret E. McCaskill Vucovich (1908-1991), Finley M. McCaskill Collins (1912-1982), and Frances E. McCaskill (1914-1979).
Dolly Drew was born at Baptist Hospital on November 10, 1920, and graduated from Pensacola High School in 1939, then worked at the old C&P Bank before meeting the love of her life, Bob Blake, a dashing young Naval Aviator from New York. The two married and raised seven children, residing mainly in Pensacola for the rest of their lives.
Dolly was a loving mother and source of much joy and laughter to her seven children, their respective spouses and her 23 grandchildren: Robert D. Blake III (married to Frances Stamey Blake; grandchildren: Jennifer, Kevin, Lisa, and Stephen), Thomas D. Blake (married to Maxine Green Blake; grandchildren: Julie and Katie and great grandchild Michael), Michael Drew Blake (married to Ann Jarman Blake; grandchildren: Natalie and Lauren), Benton David Blake (Dave), Mary Margaret Blake Hardin (married to Steve Hardin; grandchildren: Blake, Stephanie, Matthew, and Randy), Christopher Dale Blake (married to Jeanne Brockman Blake; grandchildren: Gregory, Sarah, Meghan, David, Michael, Molly, Joseph, Theresa, and Katherine), and Paul Dennis Blake (married to Elizabeth (Beth) Feran Blake; grandchildren: Emily and Conner).
Although the family will have a difficult time adjusting to the loss of our beloved matriarch and cornerstone, we will be consoled by our faith that she is with her heavenly family preparing rooms for the rest of her earthly family. Rest in peace Mom. We thank God for the blessings and memories of this sister, friend, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm with wake service at 5:45 pm at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 9:30 am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Father John Licari presiding.
Burial will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Covenant Hospice or St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or Catholic High School.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Lawn Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dolly Blake
Jamie Watson
September 24, 2024
Mrs Blake was one of my favorites for friends moms. How she was always a sweet person when I went over to visit the Blakes, spent more time with her and very little with Bobby!!
I know she is in heaven looking down on us and
smiling at her family, she and Fran are for sure
having fun....
Jamie Watson, friend of family
Jamie Watson
September 24, 2021
I so loved your mom and how she treated me everytime I came over to visit with the Blakes. She
treated me as family and I loved her for that. She and I used to have some great talks together, when all 7 kids were not around.
A lovely lady and even after these 12 years since she has been gone, I still miss her.
sonya ferguson@family
October 23, 2009
david and family we are sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.god bless and comfort you all in this time of grieving.
Bobby Blake
October 9, 2009
Friends: Can't thank you enough for your kind thoughts and memories of Mom. My family thanks you for your kindness, thoughts,and prayers. Rest assured that while this is a tough time for us because of the loss of not only a Mom but a terrific friend, we are joyful knowing that the faith Mom and Dad passed on to us assures us of their togetherness with Our Lord and Savior and themselves. We all look forward to a wonderful reunion some day in heaven. God Bless you. Bobby, Fran and all the Blakes.
Chris Blake
October 9, 2009
Thanks to all who have responded so kindly with your prayers. My Mother was truly a loving and caring Mom. I feel so blessed to have grown up in our family. Thanks again for your condolences.
Patricia Gregg
October 7, 2009
Mary,
Your mother was such a fantastic woman! I remember her since St. John's. You and your families are in my prayers.God Bless!!!!
Cathi Johnson/DeGloma
October 5, 2009
Drew and Family, So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Cathi Johnson DeGloma
October 4, 2009
To the Blake family,
Just heard today of your Mom's passing and sorry I could not be with you at her Mass. What a devoted mother to you and a wonderful wife to your Dad. No words can easy the hurt you're feeling but our Christian faith tells us this is not the end but a very beautiful beginning.
God bless you all.
Freddie Willis Thompson and Bruce
Kelly Dolge
October 4, 2009
It was such a blessing to be with her the last few days. She was so at peace with her pending passing and took time to say goodbye to us all. Please continue to keep the family in your prayers...the loss of this amazing Matriarch affects all that knew her and her family....
Miss you all!
~Kelly~
Mary Balencie
October 4, 2009
So sorry to hear of your loss. She has been in my prayers since I was told about her illness. Prayers to you and your family
Amy Simoneau
October 4, 2009
My sympathy and prayers are with you all in this difficult time.
John & Dottie Shay, Sr.
October 4, 2009
We recall chatting with Ms Dolly many times during our years at St. John's Parish. She was a wonderful person as well as all her family. May she rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.
Simone Simoneaux-Lawson & Ted Lawson
October 3, 2009
To all the Blakes...
Nestled beneath God's wings, Dolly has found, His love and joy so full abound, there in His arms to live each day, she’ll stay. Now God sees you crying tears about her, remembering the things she done, accepting her salvation in Jesus Christ God's Son. Now it's over, Dolly's new life has begun.
May your hearts continue to be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times and in that remembering, continue to share Dolly's wisdom with each other and her grandchildren, as we continue celebrating a life well lived.
May God continue to bless all Blake family members now and in the future.
Love, Sing'cerely
Simone & Ted
EDDIE COLLINS
October 3, 2009
GOD BE WITH THE BLAKE FAMILY.
Scott Whittaker
October 2, 2009
The Blake Family,
I was so sorry to learn your mom passed away. Along with the passing of Mrs. Foote, it has certainly been a sad week for all of us from the old neighborhood. Although it has been a very long time since I last talked with your mom, my memories of her were of an exceptionally kind and caring person. I know you will miss her deeply but hopefully, with God’s help and the prayers of all your friends, you will find the strength to get through this very difficult time.
mark whittaker
October 1, 2009
The Blake's: Your mother was a wonderful person. Our family has only fond memories of her kindness to us over many years. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to meet and spend time with her. We are all thinking of you and may God bless you and comfort you during this trying time.
The Whittakers
Richard Mertins
October 1, 2009
Paul:
I know you all will miss your Mom, and my prayers are with you. Dolly was one of the kindness ladies I ever met.
Marie Ussery
October 1, 2009
Paul and family, my prayers, sympathy and condolences to you and all your family on your recent loss of your MOM. Surely, our thoughts and prayers are with your entire beautiful and enviable family. We love you all! God bless.
Romie, Felli and the boys Tatel
October 1, 2009
Chris and Jeane Blake family,
Our family's sympathy and condolences to yours. We'll always remember 'Mama Dolly' seeing her at our church as the always neat, soft spoken, motherlylike figure who's very caring to her family youngsters. She was very much a model reminder to us of the mothers in our family, too.
Surely, our thoughts and prayers are with your entire beautiful and enviable family. We love you all! God belss.
Romie & Felli Tatel
October 1, 2009
Chris and Jeane Blake family,
Our family's sympathy and condolences to your's. We'll always remember 'Mama Dolly' seing her at our church as the always neat, gentle and truly motherlylike figure, and very caring to the grandchildren. She has been a model remminder to us of the mothers in our family, too.
Surely, our thoughts and prayers are with your entire beautiful and enviable family. We love you all! God bless always.
Jamie Watson
September 30, 2009
Bobby and Family,
I enjoyed my times with your mom on my vists to the Blake home. She always had a welcome smile whenever I walked into the kitchen or family room.
She always inquired about my mom and dad and made me feel right at home.
God has truly gotten an " angel in heaven" for sure.
God bless everyone and our prayers are with you in this time of grieving.
John Hazelbaker, CHS '61
September 30, 2009
My most sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mother, Bobby. Be assured of my prayers for her and all the family.
Delano Johnson
September 30, 2009
Dear Blakes, what a tribute your mother was to motherhood. Her kindness, gentleness and sense of humor will always be a part of my life. The memories I have are all so precious and will remain so. God has truly taken one of his special angels. Sorry I have had to have surgery Tues.& will not be there. Just know that my spirit and thoughts are with each of you. I am so Thankful that I got to spend time with some of you and Dolly on Sat. Love You, Delano
September 30, 2009
Tommy and Family,
Heard about your Mother's death today.God Bless Her. She was a very special and kind person.Susan and I send our condolences and prayers.
Steve and Susan D'Lugos
September 30, 2009
Sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Our prayers are with you during this time.
Rachel and John Trinchitella
Ann Whibbs Brown
September 30, 2009
A wonderful mother of seven! I know Jesus is holding her close to His heart...May you bask in the love and peace of the Lord at this difficult time.
Mike & Terry Thompson
September 30, 2009
Dear Chris & Jeanne, We are truly sorry for your loss. Mrs. Blake was a wonderful person. We will keep you in our prayers.
oscar gonzalez
September 30, 2009
David and Family: I was very sorry to hear about your Mother. All of you are in my prayers.
Ginger Dolge Wolford
September 30, 2009
Legacy -
I sit in the old wicker rocker waiting for someone to join "Porch time". 6:00am. How much easier is it to begin the day.
Her son, so willing to carry on the hospitality, brews another pot of coffee. I don't want to get up, I may lose my rocker to the others.
Only two of them sit among other chairs. They are special, so special. They creek, they shift and they are priceless.
Another son joins. "Oh how the trees grow, so quickly they grow." Like her seven children. She raised a beautiful legacy, starting starting from the old Grundy porch. No matter the circumstances, no matter the the issue, Aunt Dolly taught us there was always time to make on the Old Grundy Porch.
Memories, they flood... Joy and tears expressed. A time to share feelings and share stories, to work out differences and plan...For the day, the year, the lifetime. How grateful I am, how blessed.
My mother, craving to be home. I finally understand.
Aunt Dolly, our refuge, our pillar provided so much more than she ever realized to so many.
Raising her children, all seven with an unconditional love you can't describe and passing it on even to her neice, my mother who showed me the example of Aunt Dolly's heart. There is no term of "a little related". Family is family and you are embraced. How warming it is, we belong.
Forever will my dear, sweet Aunt will be remembered for the legacy she leaves. A legacy defined by great faith, hope, acceptance and true unconditional love. A legacy that is demonstrated through her seven children, all very different but all very special, raised by the same two beautiful parents with the common ground of faith, love and memories that begin with the old Grundy Porch.
With Love,
Ginger
Ginger Wolford
September 30, 2009
Legacy -
I sit in the old wicker rocker waiting for someone to join "Porch time". 6:00am. How much easier is it to begin the day.
Her son, so willing to carry on the hospitality, brews another pot of coffee. I don't want to get up, I may lose my rocker to the others.
Only two of them sit among other chairs. They are special, so special. They creek, they shift and they are priceless.
Another son joins. "Oh how the trees grow, so quickly they grow." Like her seven children. She raised a beautiful legacy, starting starting from the old Grundy porch. No matter the circumstances, no matter the the issue, Aunt Dolly taught us there was always time to make on the Old Grundy Porch.
Memories, they flood... Joy and tears expressed. A time to share feelings and share stories, to work out differences and plan...For the day, the year, the lifetime. How grateful I am, how blessed.
My mother, craving to be home. I finally understand.
Aunt Dolly, our refuge, our pillar provided so much more than she ever realized to so many.
Raising her children, all seven with an unconditional love you can't describe and passing it on even to her neice, my mother who showed me the example of Aunt Dolly's heart. There is no term of "a little related". Family is family and you are embraced. How warming it is, we belong.
Forever will my dear, sweet Aunt will be remembered for the legacy she leaves. A legacy defined by great faith, hope, acceptance and true unconditional love. A legacy that is demonstrated through her seven children, all very different but all very special, raised by the same two beautiful parents with the common ground of faith, love and memories that begin with the old Grundy Porch.
With Love,
Ginger
Michele Pittman
September 30, 2009
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all... in your time of grief.
Kim Robinson
September 30, 2009
Dave & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I know this will be a difficult transition for all of you. Dolly was a real sweet lady and I know she will be missed by all. God Bless each one of you. Kim Robinson
Mike Alexander
September 30, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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