Evelyn Blake

Evelyn M. Blake, 94, of Topping, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2021, at home with family by her side.

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21 (KJV)

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Cor. 5:8 (KJV)

These are truths that our mother held tightly to that gave her strength, comfort, and the reassurance that God held her life in His hands, even more so during the waning days of her life.

Love, kindness, and selflessness were demonstrated throughout her life by the actions, words, and deeds she freely offered to anyone in need.

She absolutely loved little children and they, in turn, loved her. She was “Nanny” to all who knew her. Her love and devotion to family was the bond that held us all together in good and bad times. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by all her loved ones, and gazing with eyes full of love at all the little ones playing and laughing together.

She was a member of Cornerstone Fellowship Church in Mathews County.

She was predeceased by her beloved son Terry (Debbie).

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Shirley Romano (Charlie) and Dianne Zoeller (Thomas); her loving son, Johnny; her grandchildren, Chuckie Romano, Chuck Struse Jr. (Rosetta), Henry Struse (Abby), Ryan Blake (Beth), and Kari Coyle (John); six great-grandchildren, Noah and Rya, Kora and Luna, and Blake and Brayden; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Blake; her devoted longtime friend, Ricky Apsley; and many nieces and nephews — all of whom she loved dearly.

A private service was held in the Chapel at Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home in Saluda.

Interment will be graveside in the cemetery at Harmony Grove Baptist Church in Topping.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.