Catherine Blake

At an early age, Catherine attended her family church, the Jerusalem Branch Baptist Church in Sally, SC. Catherine went to school in Aiken, SC and graduated from Schofield High School in 1949. Catherine married Willie Robinson Sr. From this union three children were born, Wilean, Willie Jr. and Marcus. After her husband Willie Sr. passed away, her parents and family helped care for her children while Catherine moved to New York to work and further her education in the early 1960’s.

Catherine worked full-time and went to college. While in college, Catherine met and fell in love with Charles Anthony Blake Jr. After achieving her nursing degree, the two married and out of this union, their daughter Nicole was born. Catherine had a heart of gold, filled with compassion, and dedicated her life to taking care of people.

Catherine became a nurse in 1967 and was licensed in both New York and Georgia until 2001. Catherine was a loyal and dedicated nurse working at many different hospitals, nursing homes and colleges. Her career path included the famous Rikers Island jail and Spelman College. She continued to add to her expertise with attaining her Phlebotomy certification, assisting the local community as a post-retirement nurse volunteer and offering free nursing services in multiple states for victims of natural disasters.

Charles and Catherine lived in New York until 1988 and then they moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia. When Charles and Catherine retired they moved to Gold Canyon, AZ in 2001 and made it their permanent home.

Catherine was a woman of deep faith and stood on God's word. She loved going to church and joined the First Institutional Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr, Catherine was a member of the Home Alone Ministry, attended Sunday School classes and Noon-Day Bible Study. Catherine shared her belief that being blessed means blessing others.

Catherine Staley Blake entered eternal rest on September 24, 2025. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles, daughter Wilean LeSane, son Willie Robinson Jr., sisters Maebelle Jenkins, Mary Hill, Lugenia Staley, Yvonnzier Staley, brother Henry Staley and adopted son Nit Garnploog.

Catherine leaves to cherish her memories: son Marcus Robinson (Elaine), daughter Nicole Blake (Trish). Nine grandchildren: Mark Andre LeSane, Dwayne Lamont LeSane, Leticia Renee LeSane, Danielle Love, Jason Corey Robinson, Christopher Robinson, Jennifer Robinson, Fabian Shylee Russell, and Raquel Leeann Russell. Nineteen great-grandchildren: Kayla LeSane, Jasmine LeSane, Diamond LeSane, Monae LeSane, O’Ryen Stimpson, Jewel Tomlinson, Neveah Robinson, Sidonnah Robinson, Julian Robinson, Brielle Robinson, Josiah Robinson, Christina Robinson, Cassiel Robinson, Elvin Elijah Tyrell Jackson, Roman Russell, Khari Russelll, Adrian Russell, R’rhiana Russell, and Kayden Russell. Two step-children, Charles Anthony Blake III and Michelle Payton. Four step-grand-children: Lester Payton Jr., Andrew Charles Payton, Amber DeLaCruz, and Malinda Payton. Two step-great-grandchildren: Gregory Humphrey Jr., and Michelle Humphrey. One adopted daughter: Premsiree Garnploog. One adopted grandchild: Mickey Garnploog. Three adopted great-grandchildren: Katherine Namfon Garploog, Charles Namchai Garnploog, and Frankie Namchoke Garploog. One brother Robert Staley, two sisters Matilda Jackson and Ivory Leslie. Home Nurse, Patricia Russell and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, former employees and church members whom she impacted.

Rest In Peace Our Beloved Catherine

A visitation will be held on October 17, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at First Institutional Baptist Church, located at 1141 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85034.

The funeral service will follow at the same location from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The committal service is scheduled for 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024.