Carol Jo Blake

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Carol Jo Blake, 94, a loving wife and mother, peacefully passed away, Thursday, March 30, 2023, surrounded by her family and caregivers. Carol Jo passed just where she wanted to be in her family home. She steadfastly believed the Lord was her Shepherd.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.  The celebration of her life will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 14, 2023, at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

Born December 29, 1928, in Ft Worth, Texas to Marian and Joseph Wheeler, Carol Jo, or Jody, to her friends and family, greeted everyone with a bright smile, infectious laugh and an elegant sense of style. She loved and was ever so proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as evidenced by hundreds of framed photos that graced the walls and tabletops throughout her home. Jody was a devoted and steadfast friend. She went through life in the company of many dear friends.

She met the love of her life, when a friend drove her to Texas Tech campus and introduced her to Jack Evans Blake. Reportedly, the two started talking and never stopped the conversation until Jack’s death in 2014. They were married February 25, 1950. They shared a beautiful romance. Jack and Jody raised four children Jack Jr., Bruce, Carolyn and Mark, in a bustling household replete with music, dancing, love and laughter…sometimes all at once! Jody and Jack seriously loved show tunes. We kids would leave the house each morning with a song in our heart and rhythm in our steps! Precious memories were created around the kitchen table listening to Paul Harvey telling “The rest of the story,” alongside dear friends, Ruth Naomi Henderson and Loetta James. Our Mom, Carol Jo, was the calm, reassuring presence of our busy lives.

Jack and Jody spent their empty nest years splitting their time between Midland and Lakeway. They enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Playing tennis, bridge and boat rides were always on the agenda. Every holiday, birthday, wedding, anniversary and grandchild were honored and celebrated. Mostly, Jody loved being with Jack. We can imagine they are in Heaven dancing cheek to cheek.

Through the years Jody volunteered with Midland Memorial Hospital Pink Ladies, Midland Symphony Guild, Founder Member of Midland Memorial Church and later The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity. She enjoyed being a member of the Contemporary Study Club, DAR, Garden Club, The Midland Petroleum Club’s Women Association and The Republican Women’s Club.

Carol Jo was preceded in death by her beloved, Jack Evans Blake, her mother, Marian Louise Wheeler, father, Joseph Wadley Wheeler and sister, Marian Elaine Anderson.

She is survived by Jack E. Blake, Jr. and his wife Mary, Bruce W. Blake and his wife Tina, Carolyn Blake Johnston and her husband David, Mark D. Blake and his wife Paige. She enjoyed nine grandchildren, Banaise Blake and his wife Amy, Spencer Blake and his wife Diana, Riley Blake Leader and her husband Bennett, Jessica Blake Wickett and her husband Jamie, Alexander Blake and his wife Allie, David Kyle Johnston Jr. and his wife Katie, Katelyn Johnston Roser and her husband Brian, Ross Kreager Blake and Caroline Fleetwood Blake. Carol Jo was further blessed with great grandchildren, Sam Blake, Sawyer Blake, Sterling Blake, Ellie Blake, Claire Blake, Helen Wickett, Liza Wickett, Annie Leader, Wyatt Blake, Oliver Roser and Emeline Roser.

To Jan Davis, Rocio Acosta, Sharla Maples and Corina Longoria, we are grateful for your cheerful welcome, listening hearts and professionalism that greeted Mom every time she arrived to the office. She loved visiting the girls at the office. Thank you.

The family wishes to express our gratitude to Diana Lopez, Diana Marquez, Yecenia Sigala, Crystal Alvarez, Jenna Butler, Vanessa Castillo and all who came before, whose thoughtful and loving care blessed our parents and our family. With appreciation to Dr. Atkins and Nurse Jennifer of Hospice of Midland for their kindness and comfort to ease Mom at the end of her life. Reverend Ashley Colley and Reverend Bob Hennagin, we are grateful for your ministry to Mom and our family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, Hospice of Midland, Midland College or a charity of your choosing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

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