We honor and celebrate the Life of Catherine Blakey

Catherine Deloris Blakey was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on April 12th, 1937, to Bernice Houston- Stanfield and Martin J. Washington. She was raised in Portland, Oregon and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1955. On May 18th, 1956, she married Paul Blakey Sr., in Vancouver, Washington. In 1957, they relocated to Seattle, Washington where they started their family and raised six children.

Catherine worked at Harborview and Swedish hospitals as a nurse’s aide. She also worked at Wonder Bread as a bakery packer. After 25 years of employment, she retired from Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic as a medical and dental scheduler. Upon her retirement, she became an entrepreneur and opened the Blakey Adult Family Home where she cared passionately for many clients.

Catherine was a devoted Christian and was a member of Ebenezer AME Zion Church over 25 years and a Lead Deaconess for over 10 years. She prepared and served meals to the church families and volunteered tirelessly in many out-reach community events. She was known for her beautiful floral arrangements adorning the alter and sanctuary. She was a woman full of faith and believed prayer was always the answer to everything. She loved reading daily scriptures from the bible and providing encouraging words to all. Her favorite bible verses were, Isaiah 41:10 and Psalms 23.

Catherine was very creative and had a natural talent for fashion design and interior design. She loved shopping for clothes in all types of stores. She was known and admired for taking one small idea and creating an entire outfit complete with purse, shoes, make-up, and matching accessories. She left no detail uncovered. Her favorite store was Nordstrom, where she looked forward to their annual anniversary sales. Her home was her peaceful sanctuary where she would allow her interior design ideas to flourish from ceiling to floor. She loved all holidays and would set her home décor to match. Christmas and Easter were her favorites.

Catherine was extremely proud of her six children. She would remind them constantly how she never had to worry about them. She especially admired how they always stuck together, supported each other and their parents. She would often tell them they fulfilled all of her hopes and dreams. She was eternally grateful for them and knew how deeply loved and blessed she was.

Catherine went to be with the Lord on May 14th. She is proceeded in death by her mother, Bernice Houston-Stanfield, stepfather, Buster E. Hill, father, Martin J. Washington, and brother Freddie Harris.

Catherine leaves to cherish her memories, her husband of 66 years, Paul Blakey Sr. and six children: Alfredia-Blakey-Vinson, Paul Blakey Jr., Carolyn Fields (Perry), Sharon-Blakey Rollins (Gene), Angela Compton (Billy), and James Blakey (Ceya). Grandchildren: Cherie, Dwanye, Chloe, Loreen, Stephen, Christina, Catherine, Ariel, Alisha, D’Mario, Djane’, Tyriq. Four great grandchildren: Redding, Layla, Lira, and Nazir, and other relatives and friends.

Catherine will be remembered in a private service celebrating her life by family.