Wilbert Blake passed away on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Phoenix. A memorial service was held Sept. 19 at Elevate Christian Church in Phoenix, with Pastor Raymond Walker Jr. officiating.
He was born Aug. 14, 1947, in McNary to the late Ted and Ruby Blake. He was the fourth child of six children.
At an early age, Wilbert became a member of the St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where he performed various duties. He is responsible for establishing an educational scholarship fund at St. John’s.
Wilbert received his education in Holbrook, attending Holbrook elementary and Holbrook High School. He consistently excelled in academics and was a member of the National Honor Society. He also served as team manager for several school athletic teams.
He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Education and his Master of Arts degree from Northern Arizona University. Wilbert was employed at Phoenix College for over 30 years as a professor of Sociology and Black History. He retired from Phoenix College in 1999 and then worked for a number of years at the Phoenix Urban League. He was also an entrepreneur, working as a distributor for Amway, a financial advisor for Primerica and a tax preparer.
Born to him in 1973 was a son, Eric Blake, and in 1979 a daughter, Shavon Barron. Wilbert met Pamela Hall in 1976 and they were married in 1999 in New Orleans, La. He became a member of the Jerusalem Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Cedric Wilson. They later relocated to Phoenix, where he attended Greater Paradise Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Pastor Raymond Walker Sr. In 2013, Wilbert and Pamela became foster parents to Jaranesca and Jasenia Braker, and adopted them on Nov. 5, 2014.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Ruby Blake; a brother, Wendell Blake; a sister-in-law, Rosie Braker; his father and mother-in-law, John and Lizzie Hall; and his brother-in-law, Arthur Hall.
Left to cherish precious memories that will never be forgotten are his wife, Pamela Blake; his son, Eric (Colleen) Blake of Los Altos, Calif.; his daughters, Shavon (Frank) Barron of Litchfield Park, Jaranesca Braker and Jasenia Braker, both of Phoenix; his sisters, Patricia (Leroy) Scott of Holbrook, Marva (Michael) Sumbry of Albuquerque, N.M., Mary (Lee) Holly of Holbrook and Linda (Porter) Renfro Of Orange, Texas; his sisters-in-law, Teresa Blake of San Antonio, Texas, and Jacqueline Hall of Coles, Miss.; his brothers-in-law, James (Wilma) Hall of Lorman, Miss., John Hall Jr. of New Orleans, Jerry Hall of Gloster, Miss., and J.B. Braker of Phoenix; five grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Dignity Memorial/Resthaven Mortuary of Phoenix was in charge of the arrangements.
