Mystic5 to live stream memorial service for late educator Melvah Blake

Service begins 10:00 am with Mystic5 Multimedia providing live stream.

For live stream link, click here.

Blake, 81, died October 18 after a prolong battle with a respiratory illness.

Her body has been cremated by Delapenha Funeral Home.

A native of Enfield district in Westmoreland, Blake began her journey as an educator after completing her teaching degree at MICO Teacher’s College in the early 1960s. She would honed her skills with stints at Enfield, Caledonia and Granville primary schools before migrating in 1968 to Old Harbour where she taught at Bartons Primary.

For the rest of her life Old Harbour would become the place of choice to work, raise family and do business for Blake, who was among the first batch of educators at the newly opened Old Harbour Junior Secondary School on October 12, 1969.

It was at Old Harbour, a high school since 1988, where Blake left a lasting legacy and indelible imprint on the institution and the young impressionable minds. 

Her passion for education also saw her pursuing higher education at the University of the West Indies, Western Carolina University and the University of Wisconsin.

This enabled her to climb the ranks from just a mere teacher to vice principal by the time she left Old Harbour High in 1992 to pursue her master’s degree in education. By this time Blake would have served more than 30 years as an educator but was still passionate about her profession. Returning from her studies armed with a master’s degree, she was deployed to the Ministry of Education where it is said she was among the pioneers behind the crafting of the Reform of Secondary Education (ROSE) programme, an initiative that sought to provide quality education for students. 

Reacting to the passing of Mrs Blake Old Harbour News shared a few comments from those who knew her well.

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Leo Henry, educator (retd): “She was an icon. When I met her, she was such a brilliant lady. She was protective of the younger female teachers who come on staff. She was a mother for them.”

Lloyd Miller, educator (retd): Miss Blake’s passing has triggered a spontaneous reflection on the life of a dedicated and professional educator. As a colleague and vice principal at the time I worked at Old Harbour High School, her impact and influence on the yellow shift community was very noticeable and outstanding, and of such will never be forgotten by those she served. She was kind, humble, approachable, willing to help and patient.”

Bernard Richards: “I met Miss Blake when as a young teacher fresh out of college she taught at the Bartons All Age School. She resided in the community, not far from the school and integrated herself well with the rural folks. She was a ‘social butterfly and highly respected. I later had the privilege of working with her as Board Member and Board Chairman of the Old Harbour High. Classy, witty, dignified, warm spirited, cool, well-spoken and indeed glamorous in all her ways. Ms Blake was a lover of people, one who was extremely respected and respectful to all, young or old. She could easily shift roles from school administrator to the comedian at a social gathering in the community. The fabric from which she was cut is no more, long finished. Old Harbor was blessed in having Ms. Blake migrating to this blessed township. What a loss!”

Valerie Rochester: “I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Lady Melvah Blake, an extraordinary woman whose legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of Old Harbour. Her tireless dedication to teaching and mentoring has inspired generations, leaving an indelible mark on our community. As a remarkable teacher and mentor, she nurtured minds, touched hearts, and shaped futures. Her wisdom, kindness, and generosity inspired countless individuals to strive for excellence.”

Wilmore Webley, PhD, Professor and Senior Vice Provost, University of Massachusetts:  “Miss Blake was my Vice Principal, mentor and someone I greatly admired. I worked closely with Miss Blake while I was head boy and she would tell me that I was going to do so, etching great one day. At the time I could not see it and to be honest I did not believe it. However, the visionary educator that she is, she saw something that I could not. She walked and dressed with a level of professionalism that was unmatched.”

Dorothy Scott-Genias, Olympian: Heartfelt condolences to the Blake family. Miss Blake was a wonderful teacher and mentor. She was one of the teachers who took me under her wings and guided me even when I was no longer her student. May her memory be a blessing to her family. Rest in eternal peace my teacher. You will be sorely missed.

Janice Mason, Head Girl, OHHS Class of 91: “Ms Blake was a beautiful, well dressed, kind no-nonsense lady. I always admired how she dressed. A stern Vice Principal but someone you could talk to. I recently saw her at the clinic and we stopped to have a chat for a few minutes. She was still looking strong so it's surprising to hear she is no longer with us.  To her family - May God's love surrounds you all during this time of loss, bringing you comfort and strength. Sleep in peace Ms Blake.”

Corrine Ellison: “It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to a remarkable educator, mentor, and friend. Her dedication to shaping young minds and nurturing the potential in each of her students was unparalleled. She touched the lives of many, including my own children, guiding them through their high school years with wisdom and kindness. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all those she inspired. Rest in peace, dear friend. Your light will continue to shine in all of us.”