Mary "Joan" Blake, age 92, went to her heavenly home Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Joan was born February 23, 1933 in New Augusta, MS to the late A W and Mary Dennis.

Joan Blake went home to be with the Lord she so faithfully served all the days of her life. A true Proverbs 31 woman, Joan lived with grace, strength, and unwavering devotion—to her faith, her family, and her community.

Joan walked closely with the Lord from an early age and lived out her faith with quiet strength and steady service. She served many years as the church pianist, her music touching hearts and lifting spirits each Sunday. Her hands were always busy with love—whether playing hymns, sewing garments, or preparing home-cooked meals for anyone who needed one. Joan was a fabulous cook, known for serving countless meals to family, friends, neighbors, and church members alike. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and warmth.

An expert seamstress, Joan had a God-given gift for creating beauty from fabric and thread—she could make anything but shoes! One of her proudest creations were two handsome blazers she made for Tim and Paul back in New Orleans, pieces stitched with both skill and love.

Her home was always immaculate, a reflection of her pride in caring for what God had given her. She believed in doing things the right way and doing them with excellence—a value evident in everything she touched.

Joan's life was a living testimony to her faith. She was steady in spirit, rich in love, and abundant in service. Her legacy is one of deep compassion, strong character, and unwavering devotion to the Lord and those He placed in her life.

She leaves behind a legacy that will be felt for generations—a life poured out in service and love, full of grace, and rich in faith.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters Catherine Gillis and Elizabeth Mullins.

Those left to cherish her memory include her five children Earl Blake (Pam), Beverly Dews (John), Libby Blake, Tim Blake (Cindy), and Paul Blake (Rebecca); nine grandchildren Scott Dews (Tiffany), Clint Blake (Michelle), Brittany Machen, Rachel Blake, Bethany Raper, Timothy Blake, Laura Ballew (Wesley), Caroline Eversmeyer (Austin), Noah Blake; seven great-grandchildren Gavin, Jackson, and Brooklyn Dews, Miller Raper, Lucas, Janey, Ingrid Ballew; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services in her honor will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, July 11, 2025 at Immanuel Baptist Church in El Dorado, AR, with Pastor Clark Whitney officiating, interment following at Smyrna Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until time of service at the church.

The family requests memorials be made in her memory to Arbor Hospice in Camden, AR and Immanuel Baptist Church in El Dorado, AR.