Linda Catherine Blake

Garner - Linda Blake, 80, passed away on Thursday. A memorial service will be held on Sunday at 3:00 PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. In addition to her parents, George and Zola Lawrence, Linda is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Edward Blake, Sr. and son, Scott West. She is survived by her sons, Thomas Edward Blake, Jr. and George Benjamin Blake, both of Garner, NC; daughters Kim Parrish (Vernon) of Benson, NC and Angela Mikus (Jimmy) of Garner, NC; grandchildren, Shannon Tilley, Dustin Wilson, Breanna Blake, Cameron West, Sarah West, Benjamin Blake, Jr., Jacob Blake and 6 great grandchildren. Linda Blake was a stellar example of what work looks like. She was tireless despite her 80 years of life. She was tough and could and would work harder than anyone I’ve ever met. But today I’m not here to talk about Linda’s work, at least not in the sense you might expect. I’m here to tell you something about Linda’s love. Most people have heard of the 5 Love Languages and we all practice some combination or version of them. Linda Blake’s Love Language was food. She was practically unrecognizable without an apron on. Linda spoke “food” more fluently and more eloquently than most. She spoke it more abundantly than anyone I’ve ever even heard of. That lady could feed 1000 people at a moment’s notice and make it taste like she’d been preparing for days. I swear she could make a mustard sandwich taste like it was heartfelt. When Linda cooked it looked effortless, like a concert pianist she patted out biscuits. I learned the hard way a few years ago about just how easy she made it look and how easy it is not! I’ve heard it said that people actually die twice. The first time is when their heart stops and their brain ceases. The second time is when that happens to the last person they influenced. If you’ve lived in Garner anytime at all you’ve likely felt Linda’s influence. Whether in person or not she’s likely spoken her love language to you. You might even have a little rounder belly for having heard it. Luckily Linda didn’t mind teaching others her language and I can promise you that her influence will be felt by many for a long time to come. I love you Mama Linda and I’m going to keep your voice echoing through this town for generations to come.