Betsy Miller Blake

Betsy Jane Miller Blake, fondly called “Boo”, of Wilson, passed away on October 10, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

A memorial service to honor Boo’s life will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Wilson and the family will receive friends immediately afterwards in Asbury Hall. A visitation will be held at the home on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Boo was born in Wilson, but soon her family moved to Springfield, Kentucky where her father, James I Miller, ran Springfield Redrying Company. She started her college education at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, ultimately graduating from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, where she was a proud member of the Chi Omega sorority.

Boo spent summers in Wilson where she met her beloved future husband, Walter Woodard Blake.  After they were married, Boo and Walter became full time residents of Wilson where she committed her life to raising their three children and civic engagement.  Boo was a faithful servant of her community, a strong Christian, and supporter of her Church as she managed the kitchen operations at the First United Methodist Church, providing meals and supporting anyone in need. She left behind a lasting impact on those around her.

Her passion for gardening and unmistakable green thumb also shone brightly, leading to her support of the Wilson Botanical Gardens. She was also an active supporter of Wilson Historic Preservation and the Wilson Children’s Theater.

Boo was preceded in death by her father, James Icem Miller, mother, Betsy Lamm Miller, and husband, Walter Woodard Blake.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Miller Montague and three children, Hadley Blake Daniel (Gene) of Wilson, Walter Woodard Blake, Jr. (Eliza) of Wilson, and Betsy Miller Blake of Raleigh. She also leaves behind her six grandchildren: Hadley “Blake” Daniel, Taylor Mangum Daniel, Cameron Miller Daniel, Walter Woodard Blake III, Mason Clement Blake, Mollie Roberts Blake and her beloved dog, Gilligan.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to her caregivers, Betty and Berniece, and also to the staff at The Wilson Pines and REX Hospital for their continued support and care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Everett Blake Scholarship or to the Endowment Fund at First United Methodist Church of Wilson, PO Box 1423 Wilson, NC 27894.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson, NC 27896; 252-237-7171, www.wilsonmemorialservice.com