Shirley Ann Blake, age 90, of Hemphill, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center in Houston, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family. Shirley was born on May 29, 1935, in Sabine County (Geneva), Texas, to Irene Gray and Joe Clark, both of Hemphill, Texas.

Shirley graduated from Thomas Johnson School in Hemphill, Texas. She married the love of her life, L.C. Blake. She was a longtime employee of Hemphill ISD, spreading love and kindness in the cafeteria for 30 years. She was also a faithful member of B.B. Tabernacle CME Church.

Mama Shirley was a kind, strong, and genuine woman whose smile could light up any room she entered. She devoted her life to faith, family, and community, always finding joy in caring for others. Known for her love of cooking and baking, Shirley found happiness in feeding those around her and sharing her warmth with everyone she met.

She loved spending time with her family, attending church, shopping, and taking peaceful rides to enjoy the beauty of the world around her. Her gentle heart, laughter, and unwavering love will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew her.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, L.C. Blake; mother, Irene Roberts Gray; father, Joe Clark; daughter, Sharon Blake Brooks; sister, Elizabeth Whitfield; and two brothers, Billy Dennis and Ray Roberts.

She leaves to celebrate her life her sons, Jimenez Blake (Pam), Michael Blake (Linnie), Jerry Blake (Arveta), and Ray Blake (Doris); daughters, Patricia Blake Williams (Glen), Anita Blake Mitchell (Carl), and Linda (Bobby); 22 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Though she has gone home to be with the Lord, her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who loved her.
Forever loved, forever remembered.