Elizabeth "Betty" H. Blake

Elizabeth H. “Betty” Blake, 76, of Brandon, Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Hawthorne Center for Rehabilitation in Sarasota, following complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Betty was born on May 6, 1949, in Regensburg, Germany, to Ralph and Shirley (Rambo) Blake. She graduated as valedictorian from Charlotte High School in 1967, then went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Florida State University in 1971. In 1977, she received her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Florida.

A gifted and dedicated educator, Betty began her career teaching mathematics at Brandon Senior High School. She later transitioned into computer programming with GTEDS (now Verizon), where she applied her analytical skills and precision in a new field. After retiring, her love for students drew her back to the classroom, where she continued teaching at Freedom High School.

While teaching at Brandon Senior High School, Betty was the beloved sponsor for many years of an organization called Hospitality Hostesses. In partnership with community sponsors, she provided leadership and guidance to students in greeting and welcoming visitors to the school. Many of the young women she mentored remained in contact with her throughout her life.

Betty never married but poured her time and heart into her family, friends, and faith community. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Judith B. Schapp. She is survived by her niece, Cilene Magnine, and her husband, Jeremy, of Crossville, Tennessee; and her nephew, Andrew Schapp.

The International Order of Rainbow Girls was an important part of Betty’s life from 1963 to 1969.

As an adult, her faith developed and continued to grow and guide her. She served faithfully in the churches she attended, including Sunrise Church of Christ and Anchor Point Church, and was blessed by visits from the SRQ House Church during her time in Sarasota.

With an adventurous spirit, Betty enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, exploring new places, and creating lasting memories. She loved board games, golf, and reading—and was always quick to offer a word of encouragement or a thoughtful note to a friend in need.

Special thanks and deep appreciation go to her devoted caregivers at the Hawthorne Center for their compassionate care. In addition, heartfelt gratitude is extended to Vickie Gill for her faithful visits, which began biweekly and grew to daily as a close bond developed during Betty’s final year. Finally, special thanks to Yana Nales and Leslie Albaugh for their diligent and loving care of Betty since 2019.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Betty’s memory to Parkinson’s research.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 West Brandon Blvd., Brandon, Florida.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10, 13