Maurice Taft Blake, Sr., 90, of Cheriton, Virginia passed away on January 4, 2016 at the Heritage Hall Virginia Beach Nursing Facility where he had been a resident since April 2015.

Maurice attended Northampton County Public Schools. He served two years in the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Windham Bay. During his years of employment Maurice worked for Webster Canning Factory, Cape May-Lewes Ferry, and retired after 20 years of civil service from the Cape Charles Air Force Base. He also worked for the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Reserve.

Maurice was a long standing and dedicated member of African Baptist Church. Some of his acknowledgements include: Superintendent of Sunday School - 1976-1999.
Certificate of outstanding Layman Leadership - June 26,1990
Treasurer for African Baptist Church - 37 years (Nov 25, 2007)
Men's Choir
Chairperson of Trustee Ministry - 38 years
Custodian 1989-2004
African Baptist Church "Man of the Year" - June 2007
The task he enjoyed the most was driving the Church Bus to take the children and church members on trips and outings. He always wanted to "be there" for the children and was always willing to help others. Maurice was a man of honesty, integrity and hard work.

Maurice is pre-deceased by his parents, Robert and Nannie Blake of Cheriton, Virginia and his loving wife of 67 years, Kate Lee Blake, as well as, his five brothers and one sister.

Maurice leaves to cherish many wonderful memories his five children: Veronica Church (Warren, deceased), Maureen Faison (William, Jr.), Maurice T. Blake, Jr. (Gail), Debra Barner (Kenneth) and Morgan T. Blake, Sr. (Gloria).

Maurice will be dearly missed by his eleven grand children: Melodie Oten, Warren E. Church, Jr., Marlan Church, Michael Waldo, Marcus Waldo, Ramon Colton Dancey, Nichelle Parker, Kendra Barner, Bryan Barner, Ryan Barner and Morgan T. Blake, Jr., the grandson who fondly remembers "Pop" as his second Dad. For all of the grandchildren, there was nothing that topped a visit to "Nana and Pop's" house. He also leaves many fond memories shared by 17 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family