Obituary of Margaret Magdelyn Blake

Margaret Blake began her humble beginnings on May 5, 1913. She was the second child and first daughter born to Melvin and Mary Brown of Milford, Brown's Town, St Ann, Jamaica W.I. Margaret grew up with her other siblings - Septimus, Enoch, Enid, Jezreel and a cousin Harry Brown. Margaret was raised by strict, god-fearing parents and her upbringing was reflected in her no-nonsense, frank and realistic behavior, and mannerisms. Margaret attended Buxton Elementary School and had a desire to pursue nursing, but this was not available so she joined the Girl's Brigade where she learnt first aid, basic nursing, and various other skills. Margaret became an excellent dressmaker, sewing various items of clothing for women, men, and children in the district. Margaret met and married Alexander Blake and between them had five daughters - Norma, Dorothy, Florence, Beverley, Hyacinth (Madge) and two sons - Bryan and Zephaniah (Zeff). In 1950 Margaret started to work outside the home at St Hilda's High School for Girls, taking care of girls who lived in dormitories on the school compound. In 1955 after the birth of her last child she gave up the job and resumed working full-time as a dressmaker/homemaker. One of the things that stood out with Margaret was her sense of pride which she instilled in all her children. She always encouraged her children to be the best that they could be, to never settle for less, to associate with others who would uplift them, and to have an open mind. Margaret was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on October 12, 1974 (Duncans, Jamaica, W.I.) Margaret was strong, steadfast and firm in her belief in, and loyalty to Jehovah, the God of all comfort. She continuously praised and thanked Him for the life He had given her and for all his provisions. She attended and fully participated at the Christian meetings and in the ministry from the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Jamaica and later in Florida, after relocating in 1992 to live with her daughter Florence. When she was no longer physically able to attend the Congregation meetings, she would listen by telephone. Margaret had an unshakable faith in Jehovah and she continued to speak with everyone about her hope of a better future that is promised by Him, and encouraged everyone to hold firm to Jehovah, even as her mind and body was ravaged by old age. Margaret was a loving, generous, and gracious mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is survived by her Children: Norma Johnson, Dorothy Blake, Florence Blake, Bryan Blake, Beverly (Winston) Palmer, Zephaniah (Roxanne) Blake, and Hyacinth Blake; 16 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Margaret's death will create an unfillable void in the lives of everyone who knew and loved her. "Live for the day when you'll say, Life without end, at last!"