Mrs. Betty Jean Blake

Betty Jean "BJ" Jones Blake was born on August 4, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois, to Charles Jones and Marie Jones Williams. She was the second and youngest child of the union. She was especially close to her step father, Mathew Williams, who also helped raise her. She grew up in Glencoe, Illinois, and attended South and Central Schools for elementary and middle school, and graduated from New Trier High School.

Growing up in the family home, next to St. Paul AME Church in Glencoe, the church was an intimate part of her childhood. She attended Sunday School and church services, as a devoted and spiritual member, participating in the choir and holiday church performances.

She completed her BA in Education at Roosevelt University and her MA in Education at Loyola University.

She started, and retired after a distinguished career, at Chicago Public Schools where she excelled as an elementary school teacher and reading specialist for 30 years.

She married Frank Blake, Jr with whom she had a daughter, Gina Marie, and a son, Frank Wadsworth, to whom she was a dear and devoted Mother.

Betty Jean was a member of her beloved Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, where she had a reading program for many years and was dedicated to helping children in her community. She also served as a founding member of Les Fideles social club and was a member of Jack and Jill.

Betty Jean studied and practiced a healthy lifestyle. She was very athletic and active and was an avid golfer. She also loved traveling the world, shopping, listening to jazz music, and reading. She always presented herself with elegant style and grace to family, friends and everyone who knew her.

Betty Jean was totally devoted to and loved her family. She is preceded in death by her mother, Marie, father, Charles, step father, Mathew, and brother, Wadsworth. She is survived by her daughter Gina Blake-Johnson (Tracy), son Frank Muhammad, and grandchildren Amirah, Bilal, Nadiyah, Mya, Jesse, Jasmyn, Joe and a host of beloved family and friends please keep the family in your prayers.

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette ~ Funeral Director

Face masks are required on all services.

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