Shirley Jackson Blake

Shirley Jackson Blake of Hope Mills passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, at her home with her loving family by her side. She was born on April 6, 1935, in Cumberland County to the late Dossie Lee and Mattie Belle Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, J. W. Blake, her brother Franklin Edwin Jackson and sister Ruth Jackson Dalton. She is survived by her children Willie Blake (Beth), Holly Rice, Jay Blake (Kim), Jeff Blake (Vicki), Heidi Maly (Pete), Jenny Clabo (Michael), a sister Brenda May, and two brothers, Dennis L. Jackson and Michael W. Jackson, and 38 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley and her husband spent 20 years as an Air Force family; their travels spanned multiple bases across 3 continents before they retired and settled back in their hometown of Hope Mills. Shirley’s exceptional resilience and her optimistic nature ensured her family’s ability to thrive in an ever-changing environment. Her youthful spirit and relatable anecdotes impacted generations. Shirley had the rare ability to make you cry with laughter and learn a lasting life lesson in one conversation. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, her mischievous laugh, her ever-present wit, and her profound wisdom.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Reeves Funeral Home in Hope Mills.

Funeral Services will be held at Hope Mills Methodist Church on Legion Road at 4:00 pm on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Dr. Reverend Reginald Oxendine, Jr. will be officiating.

She will be laid to rest with J. W. in Hope Mills Cemetery.

Special thanks to Amedisys Hospice Care, especially to the aide, Coretta, who provided gentle and loving care for our mother during these last few weeks.