Theresa Worthy Blake

Theresa Worthy Blake was born August 20, 1924 in Dublin, Georgia to loving parents, John Henry Worthy, Sr. and Delia Thigpen-Worthy. She was the 16th child of Seventeen children, all preceded her in death. Theresa was educated at Dublin Georgia Public Schools. Theresa received her early Christian experience at McKinley Missionary Baptist Church in Soperton, Georgia. After the passing of her father, Theresa and her mother moved to Altamonte Springs, Florida to be near family. She joined Williams Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the late Reverend B. T. Williams pastorialship. She later moved to Jacksonville, Florida where she lived for seventeen years and joined St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor P. Josey. Theresa believed in being of service to others and she was committed to serving the lord. She served on the Usher Board, Pastor’s Aide, Church Mission and Kitchen Committee, she served diligently. In Theresa’s community she was known as the “Frozen Cup Lady” it was said all over town that she made the best pineapple cups. Theresa worked for over 50 years as a domestic worker. Her last employer was Dr. and Mrs. Harry Eisenberg. They were not just employers, but dearly loved friends, and their two daughters Erica and Devina were loved as grand daughters. Theresa was united twice in matrimony to Coleman Haggins, Sr., and to James W. Blake. She was the mother of five children and leave to cherish a loving memory of life: two sons, Henry M. Blake, Joseph Blake, both of Altamonte Springs, Florida; three daughters, Juanita Morgen of Altamonte Springs, Florida, Janice Stewart of Pontiac, Michigan, Eleese Ruiz of Altamonte Springs, Florida, a surrogate daughter, Shantill Marteliz of Lakeland, Florida; those also loved and cherished are her children’s siblings: Johnny Coley (Charlene), Australia Blake, Rosemarie Blake, James Blake, III, Christine Singleton, Lenzy Blake (Phyllis), Jerome Blake (Barbara), Tyrone Blake, Sylvia Banks (Ray), Alvin Haggins (Yvonne); thirteen grandchildren; a host of great- grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; two very special nieces, Inez Epps and Cassie Jones; brother-in-law, Religh Jerome Blake (Clara); a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and loving friends.

Tributes

Theresa Worthy Blake

August 20, 1924 - June 14, 2014