Lena Louise Blake

     Lena Louise Davidson Blake, 92, passed away on October 4, 2025, at her home in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born on April 7, 1933, in St. Andrew, Jamaica, to Robert W. and Antoinette Ivey Davidson. Lena, nicknamed "Dottie" by her father, was the third of ten children and the oldest daughter.

     She grew up in the Paisley District of St. Andrew and attended Paisley District School until the 8th grade, when she had to leave school to help care for her younger siblings while her parents worked. Lena was always proud of the excellent education she received in the Jamaican school system. In her later years, she often recited “Memory Gems” she had learned as a youngster and proudly declared, “I went to school, you know!”

     As a young woman, Lena dreamed of migrating to America to obtain greater financial opportunity. After numerous attempts, she was finally granted a visa and came to the United States, employed by R. Crosby Kemper of UMB Bank. In the spring of 1969, Lena moved to Mission Hills, Kansas, where she was employed as a domestic worker.

     On October 25, 1969, Lena married Albert E. Blake in Kingston, Jamaica, and subsequently filed for him to come to America, where he joined her, also employed by the Kempers. She later filed for her sons, Densil Malabre and Rohan Blake, and her daughter, Pearline Blake, who migrated to the United States around 1972.

     After leaving the employment of the Kempers, Lena worked as a housekeeper for several families in the Kansas City area and also worked for B & G Maintenance Company.

     Rev. Ira and Sadie Sullivan welcomed Lena and her family to Kansas City, Kansas, and invited her to attend Bethel Baptist Church, which she joined around 1970 under the leadership of Rev. R.C. Higgs. She remained an active member until her health no longer permitted regular attendance.

     Lena’s hard work and persistence allowed her to realize the dream of home ownership—one of her proudest accomplishments. She enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers until her health no longer allowed. She also enjoyed cooking and spending time with family—especially family sleepover movie nights, which were a great comfort to her after the death of her husband, Albert, in 1997, after 27 years of marriage.

     In addition to her husband Albert, Lena was preceded in death by her parents, Robert W. and Antoinette Ivey Davidson; her siblings: brothers, Laselle Davidson ("Smithy"), Robert Davidson ("Tud”), Silbert Brian Davidson (“Clarry”), and Neran Amanta Davidson ("Bunny"); sister, Antoinette-Elisha Davidson ("Hazel"); and grandson Paul M. McCleary.

     Lena is survived by her brother, Linton Davidson ("Pint") of Peckham, London; sister Marva Tabanor (Neville) of St. Catherine, Jamaica; son Densil G. Malabre (Karla) of Kansas City, KS; son Rohan A. Blake (Jackie); and daughter Pearline D. Blake McCleary (Hugh, Sr.) of Kansas City, KS. She is also survived by grandchildren Hugh McCleary, Jr. (Vendetta), Christopher McCleary, Karmyn D. Malabre, Densil J. Malabre, Anthony R. Blake, and Keziah S. Blake; five great-grandchildren; niece Kayann Tabanor; dear friend Mrs. Eula Fatoma; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family in Jamaica, England, and Canada.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lena Louise Blake, please visit our floral store.