Mary Jay Blake

Mrs. Mary Jay Blake, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, at the age of 97, in Saint Johns, Florida. Born on March 8, 1928, in Quincy, Florida to the late Oscar Leon Jay and Pearl Goodson Jay. Also preceded in death by her brothers Carl Jay (Mary), David Jay (Margie), John “Johnny” Jay (Katherine), Eddie Jay (Lolamae), and son Jay Owen “Buddy” Blake. Mary lived a life marked by love, kindness, wisdom, and generosity.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 79 years, James Vincent Blake Sr., their son James Vincent Blake Jr. (Jackie), daughter Marie Blake Weber (Harold), and daughter-in-law Jackie Robinson. She was a proud and loving grandmother to 9 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. The matriarch of the Blake family, Mary’s legacy of love, kindness, generosity, and guidance will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many lives she touched.

Mary was a labor and delivery nursing assistant briefly at St. Vincent Hospital before beginning her job at Sears, where she led a rewarding career as a Customer Service Manager until her retirement. She went to Andrew Jackson High School.

Mary found joy in the simple pleasures of life – the outdoors, her garden, and the company of family and friends. As an avid reader she always had something next to her rocking chair. She loved working outdoors in her garden or just being in nature. She also enjoyed sewing and making crafts. She also loved jewelry and shopping on HSN. As a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution she was proud to be able to trace her family history to the Revolutionary War and to be a member of a patriotic organization devoted to preserving history. For many years she was a very involved member of Epperson Memorial United Methodist Church including singing in the choir.

Mary was best described as kind, generous, and wise – a woman whose presence and voice brought comfort with words that others learned from. She gave generously to many charitable organizations, especially to those helping underprivileged children across the world.

As we bid farewell to Momma, Grandma, Memaw, and Gigi we celebrate a life lived and a woman so deeply loved. Her impact on our lives and many others is immeasurable; her memory will be treasured forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. Though she has left this earthly realm, the wisdom she imparted and love she gave will continue to guide us. We take solace in knowing her spirit lives on as eternal and enduring as the faith that guided her. Rest in peace, Grandma, until we meet again.

A special thank you to the Community Hospice & Palliative Care nurses and to the Westminster Woods at Julington Creek staff and nursing staff in the Rapid Recovery Center and the Health Care Center.

A visitation will be held on December 18, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, located at 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL, 32223.

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

A committal service is scheduled for December 18, 2025, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery, located at 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32218.