Irene Blake was born on June 8, 1956 to Louise Beatrice Blake

and Leon Clarke in Baltimore, Maryland. Irene was loved by all those she encountered. Her infectiuous spirit and personality will forever be etched in the minds of those who knew her. A rebel

in her own right, Irene was a woman full of lots of spunk and tenacity. She marched to the beat of her own drum and even when others tried to silence her, she knew just how to set them straight.

No matter what Irene's struggles in life were or what she went through, that never lessened her personal connection with God.

Irene had a great love and need for family. No matter what issues would arise, she would always extend her love and desire to be close to her family. She would give her last without a second thought and never judged any ones intent. Irene had a particularly strong love for her grandchildren who she professed to be the loves of her life. For 29 years, Irene loved, nurtured, adored, and cherished all of her grandchildren and looked at them all as her saving grace.

Irene leaves to celebrate her life and legacy, (3) children: Shantel Strozier, Shawntrel Strozier, and Robert Strozier Jr.; (14) grandchildren: Tanea Strozier, Nakera lee, Tashera lee, Alexus Strozier, Shardaisa Coles, Briona lee, Imia Reed, Walter Reed

III, DeAndre Reed, Rennie MilliganJr., Shayla Monroe, Kevin Monroe III, ZyNera Monroe and Robert Strozier III; (7) great- grandchildren: Genai Edmonds, Gerard Edmonds, T avia Craig, Autumn Strozier, T avon Craig, Denim Strozier and T ajanea Craig; (15) siblings: Charles", Brenda", Renee, Niecy, Antonio, Doris", Joyce*, Catherine, Waverly, leona, linda, Lisa, Melissa, Almayna and Margeret*; husband Wayne King; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.