Carrie B. Blakely 1953-2025

She was born Jan. 24, 1953, in Eufaula, Alabama, the daughter of the late L.C. and Sarah Chester Bryant, and came to the area as a child.

She was a graduate of Girard High School, Class of 1971. Carrie worked at General Electric as an inspector / auditor and retired after 35 years of service. She was a member of Grace AME Church and served on the Altar Guild, the Nursing Guild, the Flower Guild, the Kitchen Committee, the Holy Crafters and as an advisor to the youth choir.

In her free time, she enjoyed crocheting, traveling, reading her daily scripture and modeling, where she met her future husband, Nelson, during his uncle’s beauty competition, Cyrus Blakely’s Production: Black in All Shades.

She also enjoyed singing, where one of the highlights of her life was recording a gospel album, “God’s Sweet Love,” with her husband.

Additionally, she enjoyed biking, walking, collecting dolls, decorating, watching professional basketball and spending time with her husband, sons and her fur babies, as well as her extended family and friends.

Carrie leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Nelson Blakely Jr., whom she married Sept. 25, 1976; their two sons, Nelson Blakely III and Travis Blakely, both of Columbus; one brother, Larry Bryant of Warren; and two sisters, Mary Williams of Youngstown and Little Teasiea Jennings of Warren. Carrie also leaves her fur baby, Cici; her fur grandbaby, Baxter Jaymes; as well as many nieces, nephews, “chosen” children, “chosen” grandchildren and friends to cherish her memory.

Besides her parents, Carrie was preceded in death by her stepmother, Pearl Bryant; four brothers, Johnny, Isaac, Willie and Linsey Bryant; and one sister, Geraldine Newby.

A funeral service to celebrate Carrie’s life will be held at noon Friday, April 25, 2025, at Grace AME Church, 1137 Main Ave. SW, Warren, where family and friends may call 11 a.m. until noon.

Burial will follow in Pineview Memorial Park.

Arrangements are entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to serving your loved ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.

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