Willie Z. Blake

Willie was born the daughter of share croppers, Ed and Nina Taylor, on May 12, 1922 in Howell, Arkansas where she grew up with her three siblings. Willie moved to Columbus, Ohio with her daughters, Nina and Yvonne, to start a new life in the “Big City” where she was a master seamstress until her retirement. After marrying Roy Blake in 1987, she was whisked away to Chicago, Illinois to live out her remaining years. At age 90, in her Chicago, Illinois home, Willie was called to go Home on Friday, February 8, 2013. Growing up, Willie was known as a quiet, studious young lady who enjoyed taking her afternoon naps standing up behind a door. As a mother, she was caring yet stern. As a grandmother, Willie was our second mother who raised us as her own. By the time the great grandchildren came along, Willie was able to slow down, relax and just enjoy watching the babies grow up. Everywhere Willie was, she was loved by friends, family, and co-workers with her quick wit, her ability to comfort, and her quiet sensibilities. She will be sorely missed. Willie was preceded in death by husband Roy Blake, daughter Nina Carmon-Smith, brothers Agnes Taylor and Lawrence Taylor, and son-in law Early Tabler. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Yvonne Wendy Tabler; stepson Roy Wendell (Amy) Shelby; sister Gloria Moon; granddaughters Twila Carmon-Greene (William), Porsche Carmon, Keisha Carmon, DyShaune Johnson, Aleisha Johnson, and Thea Smith; surrogate grandson Ted Johnson; great grandchildren Jasmyn Johnson, Jaida Johnson, Tremaine Arnold, Janiya Walton, and Jamir Moore; god daughter Patricia Chunn; surrogate son Jerome Jones and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.