Carol Jean Blakely

“A Strong Woman of Faith” 
“As it is written I have made thee a father of many nations, in the presence of Him who believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead and called those things which are not, as though they were. “Romans 4:17 

In the city of Gary, Indiana on the second of April nineteen fifty-nine, the late Elder William O’Brie and Ola Mae (Johnson) Blakely Jr. the third of eight exceptional children Carol Jean Blakely (Butter) entered the world.  She completed an educational tenure in nineteen seventy-seven at Horace Mann High School in Gary, Indiana where she was awarded “Most Talented” by her senior class.   

Carol’s Christian journey began at birth. With her being raised in a Christian home she attended their family church Faith Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of her late grandfather Bishop William O’Brie Blakely Sr., where she accepted Christ. She was active in the Hallelujah Choir and Young Adult Choir under Mother Delores Blakely, Purity Class, Northern Indiana State Choir under the direction of Superintendent David Blakely, as well as singing with the “Blakely Sisters” and “Blakely Family Singers.” After graduation she made Milwaukee, Wisconsin her temporary residency and continued her walk with Christ at Mount Zion Church of God in Christ under her late Uncle Elder Eldridge Blakely. Upon returning home she married her spouse the late Curtis F. Harris with her faithfulness and commitment to ministry she joined her husband at Christ Temple Church of Christ Holiness USA under the leadership of the late Bishop James Mitchell until their relocation to Los Angeles, California. When first relocating to California the couple became members of New Testament Church of Christ Holiness USA under Dr. John Plummer Jr. Later Carol moved her membership to West Angeles Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Presiding Bishop Emeritus Charles E. Blake Sr., where she served as a member of the Women’s Choir and West A. Hostess.  In addition, she served the International Church of God in Christ on the registration team for the Bishops and Supervisors as well as a personal companion to Lady Mae L. Blake. 
 

She obtained a career in food and nutrition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gary, Indiana, and Los Angeles, California. Upon her final residency in Los Angeles Carol obtained a job in LAX International Airport at Algonbright where she was as an onboarding specialist in the human resource department and later transferred to G2 as a customer care agent where she embraced celebrity friends such as:  Charlie Wilson, (the late) Little Richard, and many others until she became ill. 
 

Carol’s accomplishments included being a cast member of the nationally acclaimed stage play “God’s Trying to Tell you Something with her special friend the late Edwin Hawkins,” singer of the renowned recording LA Mass Choir, as well as a background vocalist for Kristle Murden, Douglas Miller, and the legendary Deniece Williams.    

A woman of strength, courage, empowerment, motivation, love, and laughter.  Faith would be a word to describe her as an individual. One who was given amazing strength for the gift of giving.  She was the sibling that supported and ensured the family stayed united. A woman of fashion and ensured she was up to date with stylish attire that was eye catching with accessories to accommodate her unique elegance. Her smile and outgoing personality was one that can be identified in any atmosphere she was present.  

She was proceeded in death by her parents Elder William O’Brie and Ola Mae (Johnson) Blakely Jr., sister Donna Jean Blakely-Jackson, paternal grandparents Bishop William O’Brie and Annie Mae (Howard) Blakely Sr. Mary Frances Lee-Blakely, maternal grandparents James and Rosalee (Waters) Marshall, special aunt Rose Helen King, goddaughter Starla Harris and godbrother Shedrick Davis. 
 

Her memories are cherished by her six siblings Norma Blakely-Mack (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), Wilette Blakely-Alford (Goodlettsville, Tennessee) Sandra Blakely (Mishawaka, Indiana) Ronald (Daniel Alan Day) Blakely (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) Randall (Eunice) Blakely and William O. (Nicole) Blakely III (Indianapolis, Indiana) four nephews David (Audra) Mack, Terrance Dennie, William O. Blakely IV, and Armone Blakely, five nieces Dominque and Dana Mack, Terrilyn (James) Douglas, Carleen Reynolds, Jasmine Dennie., and eleven great nieces and nephews O’LaNoria, D’Saundra, Jeremiah, Terryn, Terrance Jr., Shailee, Zaria, Chelsea, Xavier, Gabrielle, Abigail; special cousins Frances Howard-Davies, Deniece Williams, Victor King, Gregory Luckett and the entire Pontiac, Michigan family; best friends Beverly Jackson-Taylor and Alice Durden; special friends Tameka Abner, Betty Stewart, Tina Smith, Jeffrey Hurt and Derrick Johnson; godmother Madine Randolph; goddaughters Shanta Harris, Chloe Edwards, and Hailey Grace; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, her California Golden Girls along with the rest of her California family and friends.
 

A wake service for Sister Blakely will be held on Sunday July 24, 2022, 6 until 8 p.m CST at High Praise Outreach Ministries, 301 E. Ninth Ave, Michigan City, IN 46360. Homegoing celebration will be held on Monday July 25, 2022, 12 Noon at True Light International Ministries, 1257 N. Cline Ave, Griffith, IN 46319. Visitation will be held will be held an hour prior to the services at the church. Superintendent Scott Jefferson will bring the Word. Burial will follow the services at Ridgelawn Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted with Alford’s Mortuary Inc. - South Bend. 

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