Dorothy Ione Blakeley

At 101 years of age, Dorothy Blakeley, left her earthly home and entered into the kingdom of heaven on July 9th, 2026. Her life was rich in love, laughter, faith and determination. She passed away peacefully, leaving behind generations of family who were blessed by her unwavering strength, generous heart and remarkable example.

Born November 2, 1924 to Florence and Carl Aaron in Hugo, Oklahoma, she was the 3rd child of 7 of which all preceded her in death. At the age of 10 years old they moved to Texas. She graduated from Kilgore High School in 1942.

She lived through more than a century of history, witnessing incredible changes while remaining steadfast in the values that defined her life. She believed in hard work, met life’s challenges with grit, and leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and determination through her work ethics. She exemplified this in her service as a waitress in her younger years and later in life she continued to serve the next generation in the schools at Lubbock ISD and Mesquite ISD as the supervisor over the food service of which she retired.

As stated in 1 Corinthians 13:13, and the greatest of these is love, she leaves behind a legacy of loving one another unconditionally. Her greatest joy was spending time with the people she loved. Whether around a kitchen table eating or playing a game of Canasta or at a family reunion, she was happiest when everyone was together.

Speaking of love, she met the love of her life, Jimmy Blakeley and was married November 14, 1942 in Kilgore, Texas. They had 53 wonderful years together, he preceded her in death in 1996.

She was well known for her love of a card game, (especially Canasta), and dominoes. She played to win, and everyone who sat across the table knew she was a worthy opponent. She hated to lose, but her competitive spirit wasn’t just about victory, it reflected the determination that carried her through 101 remarkable years. She taught her family to give their best, never quit and enjoy the challenge along the way.

Her family was her life! She cherished all 15 grandchildren, all 31 great grandchildren, all 15 great great children and her one and only great great great grandson. Yes! She got to experience 6 generations!

Her children, she still considered her “Babies” until her last days, will never forget the sacrifices she made, the encouragement she gave, the wisdom she shared and the unconditional love she showed. She leaves behind to carry on the legacy, Delores Hunt & Husband Bobby, Ronnie Blakeley and his wife Bobbie, Steve Blakeley and his wife Carol, Suzan Watson and her husband Stan, and has been reunited with her baby boy Jimmy Blakeley Jr., who preceded her in death in 2016.

Some refer to them as the matriarch of the family…. We consider her the G. O. A. T. because she was the Greatest Of All Times. The greatest legacy is not measured in years, but in the lives touched, the values passed on, and the love that endures for generations. Her legacy will live on forever!

The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to Choice Hospice and Chante for the great care they gave, to April Gracia for caring and loving her like her own, and to Arabella Family for welcoming her into the warm and friendly community of which she lived.