Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Loses Mother At 95 Years Old

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 15, 2009 – (SAN DIEGO, CALIF ) The mother of Church Of God In Christ’s Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake and Superintendent J. A. Blake Jr., Lula C.  Blake passed away on January 12, 2009 in San Diego, California.  She suffered a stroke and was later pronounced dead at age 95.  

Mother Blake was the wife of Bishop J.A. Blake.  They lived in North Little Rock, Arkansas for nearly two decades as a family before relocating.  At the request of Bishop S.M. Crouch, Bishop Blake and Mother Blake went to San Diego, California, where he was appointed pastor of Jackson Memorial Church Of God In Christ.  Bishop J.A. Blake died on November 13, 1984.  Mother Blake was pastored by her son, J. A. Blake, Jr., who succeeded his father, Bishop J. A. Blake 25 years ago at the historic Jackson Memorial Church, later named the Fountain of Life Church Of God In Christ.

At this time final arrangements are being made by the family.  Celebration of Life Service and Worship is scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2009, at the Bayview Baptist Church, 6126 Benson Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92114 (Dr. Timothy J. Winters, Senior Pastor and Host).  Worship will begin at 1 P.M.  (No Final Viewing of Mother Blake is planned.)  “During this time of reflection and arrangement, the entire Blake family conveys to you appreciation for the many expressions of love and concern received from the leadership and constituency of the Church Of God In Christ around the nation and the world, as well as, friends, associates and dignitaries, from far and near,” said Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that monetary gifts be sent to Save Africa’s Children or the Church Of God In Christ’s Mission Department, in memory of Mother Lula C. Blake.  Written expressions of condolences and prayer may be submitted to the Office of Presiding Bishop, West Angeles Church of God In Christ, Inc. or the residence of The Reverend J. A. Blake, Jr. 1469 Grove Road, El Cajon, CA 92020.

For further information, concerns, confirmations, accommodations, or direction, please feel free to contact Ms. Charlene Sutton, Administrative Assistant to the Presiding Bishop at 323 733 8300, x 2209.

About Bishop Charles E. Blake

Bishop Charles E. Blake serves as the Seventh Presiding Bishop of the 6.5 million-member Church Of God In Christ. He is the senior pastor of West Angeles Church of God in Christ with a membership of over 24,000. West Angles has been recognized as one of the fastest growing churches in the nation, with extensive ministry and outreach services including television and radio broadcasts. West Angeles is deeply involved in providing not only for the spiritual life of its people, but also it provides more than 80 programs for the psychological, social, and economic enhancement of the community.  As founder and CEO of Save Africa's Children, Bishop Blake oversees the support of more than 200,000 children, in 400 orphan care programs, throughout more than 23 nations on the continent of Africa.