Mary Sue Blake, age 97, of Brownwood passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, with her family at her side.

Mrs. Blake was born on August 19, 1921, to James Carlisle McMullan and Rosa (Beck) McMullan in Chatfield, Texas. She was a student nurse at Physicians and Surgeons Hospital in Corsicana before marrying Robert Henry Blake on June 2, 1941.

Prior to the outbreak of World War II, she and her husband lived in George West and Taft, Texas. While her husband served in the Pacific, they lived in Florida and California; after its end they briefly lived in Corpus Christi, Texas and Sydney, Australia. They settled in Brownwood in 1949 where they lived the rest of their lives. For many years, they raised a family and owned and operated West Texas Printing Company. The Blakes traveled extensively, but always returned home to Brownwood.

Mr. and Mrs. Blake were members of First United Methodist Church in Brownwood. Throughout her life, Mrs. Blake was a Sunday school teacher, a member of the Peggy Boone Sunday School Class, and a member of the Women’s Society of Christian Service. She was also a longtime member of the Junior 20th Century Club.

Beloved by all who knew her, Mrs. Blake’s life was marked by Christian love, generosity, and selflessness. She dearly loved her family.

Mrs. Blake was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Henry Blake; her parents; two sons, Bill Blake and Roger Blake; grandson, Will Blake; and great-grandson, Calan Chambers.

Mrs. Blake is survived by her daughter, Beverly Norris and husband Larry; sons, Stephen Blake and wife Pam, and Paul Blake; daughters-in-law, Kathy Blake and Loma Blake; grandchildren, Gary Blake, Christine Oliver and husband Holly, James Blake and wife Sarah, Elizabeth McConnell and husband Jason, Chris Blake, David Smith and wife Kara, Christy Novelo, Carrie Chambers and husband Cortney, James Logue, and Mark Blake; and great-grandchildren, Emily, Grayson, Molly, Jeb, Caroline, Charlie, Hayden, Mackenzie, Ernesto, Asher, Christian, and Chase.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2019, at Blaylock Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2019, at Blaylock Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jay Fraze officiating; burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.

Memorials can be made to the Pearl Griffin Memorial Latch Key Program (2411 Coggin Ave. Brownwood, Texas 76801). Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.