Lola Lee Blake

Lola Purifoy Blake was one of eleven children born January 18, 1933 in Banks Arkansas to Emmet and Hester Purifoy. She attended school in Banks, Arkansas. As a young woman Lola moved to Oregon in 1951 where she began a fulfilling and productive life as a wife, mother, entrepreneur and servant within the church. During the 60’s, Lola worked for the local cannery. Cooking and decorating were two of Lola’s passionate gifts. After many years of hard work coupled with determination, Lola opened and operated her own business during the 70’s, a restaurant she named "Old Glory". Lola was well known for her culinary delights. She often pleased both family and friends serving her scrumptious meals and desserts. Lola’s signature dishes were her dressing and sweet potato pie. Lola gave her life to the Lord at an early age, beginning a marvelous and committed journey which led her to become a leader within the church. Lola served her church in several capacities, most notably through her gift of cooking and catering events for the church. This was her ministry. Lola is preceded in death by Ernest Gill her first husband and six of their eleven children born of their union; Johnny, Lawrence, Casey, Jeanette, Debbie and Linda. She also precedes in death her second husband, James Blake. Lola is survived by five of the eleven children to her union with Ernest Gill; Tina Taplin and her husband Charles of Troutdale, OR; Lee Gill and wife Mary of Beaverton, OR; Shirley Murphy and husband Fred of San LeAndro, CA; Eugene Gill of Portland, OR; Ailene Gill of Portland, OR; 24 Grandchildren; Anthony, Katina, Mara, Kimberely, De Andre’, Katrina, Kenneth, Nicole, Leon, Keyanna, Chad, Melvin, Nina, Louis, Merissa, Ronnette, Michelle, Brandon, Erica, Dyon, Eric, Chris, Jaquanwan, and Nyshell; 18 Great Grandchildren, Sisters, Eltizer Dave, Lucille Zolliecoffer, Martha Jean Wilson of Milwaukie, Wisconsin, Annie Mae Stoot of Texas, Brothers, Rev. Z. James Purifoy and wife sally of Portland, OR; Emmett Purifoy of Arkansas and a host of nieces, nephews as well as extended family. Lola’s commitment to and love for her family was unsurpassed. As needed she would intervene in the lives of her young grandchildren beyond the love and care of the typical grandmother. Lola without wavering stepped up to the high calling of care by raising seven of her grandchildren. Lola Blake also fondly known as "Mama" was a free spirited, kind, loving spiritual woman of God that loved people and loved life. She shared freely her heart, home and material possessions, always taking the time to assist those in need. In 2004 Lola became ill yet continued to reach out and spread hope and joy to others even after entering an assisted living facility. The staff loved her and enjoyed her charm, wit and humor. Lola served as a Senior Rose Court Princess representing the Marquis facility with pride and great joy. Most importantly, Lola shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with those that were open to receive. She made many new friends while confined to her bed and always had a host of family and friends around her managing to entertain and enjoy life even while confined to her bed. Lola Blake was the ultimate example of a disciple and woman of God. Lola took pride at the end of her journey in witnessing history in the making by seeing the first African American in the history of the United States of America contend for a Presidential nomination. Lola, ill and confined to her bed would intently watch every aspect of the Presidential race, praying for and rooting for Barak Obama and his family as they traveled the journey to the democratic nomination for President of the United States of America. For Lola this was a long awaited historical moment, one she delighted in. She treasured the privilege of watching each day’s events, absorbing every aspect of the televised campaign with zest and zeal. As an African American citizen, woman, mother and participant in her own personal challenges for the quest of total equality, Lola was a pioneer in the struggle to obtain freedom in our Country and we owe the liberties we currently possess to Lola and her generation for their great sacrifice. God blessed Lola to live Seventy Five years. She was an amazing woman that had a profound and positive impact on everyone she met. She was an amazing daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend and above all, a woman of God. Lola will be deeply missed and lovingly celebrated and remembered. Prayer and Blessing God’s power protects you through your faith until salvation is shown to you at the end of time. 1 Peter 1:5 May the power of God be fully released in each of you thorough the seed of faith planted within you by God, watered through Lola, that each of you may receive salvation and live fully aware of God’s Love, protection and blessings for you and over you. Amen!