Eleanor Marie Herring Blake February 6, 1937 - June 30, 2020 Eleanor Marie Herring Blake, 83, of Wilson peacefully passed away June 30, 2020.

Eleanor was born February 6, 1937 to Kenneth and Ruth Herring and was a life-long resident of Wilson, a community truly engraved in her heart. Following graduation from Atlantic Christian College in 1959, she married her high school sweetheart, Paul N. Blake Jr. Together they were blessed with two children, Paul III and Anne Moye.

They remained dedicated to one another for 58 years until his death in 2017. She taught math in the Wilson County School System for years before going into business for herself. Her love for family, friends, children and especially love for helping others was fulfilled every working day at her children's clothing boutique, Dotty Lou's, a mainstay in the community for many for over 25 years. Eleanor truly enjoyed meeting and getting to know new people and " never met a stranger".

In her leisure time, she especially enjoyed traveling, watching sports and spending quality time with family and friends. She was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Wilson, which she attended from childhood. It always remained close to her heart.

She found meaningful fellowship and spiritual growth with her devoted Sunday School friends and enjoyed playing the piano for them for years on Sunday mornings. Affectionately known as "Memommy" by her grandchildren, she will be remembered for her sweet and kind sense of humor. She was a loving, kind and caring wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend who touched the hearts of so many. We all are better people for having been blessed to have her in our lives.

Eleanor is preceded in death by her husband, Paul N. Blake Jr., and one sister Ruth Herring Bazemore. She leaves behind to cherish her memories, son Paul N. Blake III and partner Colleen K. King of Atlantic Beach; daughter, Anne Blake Lindley and husband D. Stuart Lindley of Kinston; grandchildren, Paul N. Blake IV of Washington, DC, Eli Blake of Morehead City and Anne Grayson Lindley of Kinston and her sister, Elmira Herring Alvord as well as many nieces and nephews. The family is thankful for the kindness and care Eleanor received from her many caretakers and express heartfelt gratitude to Denise Outlaw for her years of faithful companionship.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, July 7th 11:00 am in Maplewood Cemetery, Wilson. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to Hospice House of Greenville, 920 Wellness Drive, Greenville, North Carolina 27834 or First Baptist Church of Wilson, 311 Nash Street, North Carolina 27893. Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.