Marlene Iris Hollis (Blake)

Marlene Iris Blake Hollis was born on March 10, 1932, the seventh of ten children, of Robert Grant and Nannie Baynard Blake. She departed this life on August 27, 2019. Marlene grew up in Burrisville, Maryland, and attended Burrisville School. She later transferred to Kennard High School, which is now the Kennard Multicultural Building. She graduated in 1951. Marlene was a longtime member of the Kennard Alumni, and at one time, held the position of secretary. Marlene worked in Delaware for 43 years as a housekeeper. Upon her retirement, she worked as a caretaker for Ms. Johnston, in St. Michaels, Maryland, then fully retired. Ms. Marlene Hollis was a member of Mt. Zion Church in Burrisville, Maryland. While there, she faithfully served as the president of the Trustee Board for many years. Her kind and generous heart, donating her personal time and money, has led to the modernizing and updating of the church. The updates included adding a telephone, a heat/air system and overseeing the general upkeep of the church. She was the chairperson of the Finance Committee and has served as secretary for the United Methodist Women. Marlene sang with the church choir, junior choir and the Family Circle Choir and has sponsored many programs. She initiated the church’s efforts to become a Maryland historic site through the Queen Anne’s County Historical Society. Even though she had a handicapping condition, she continued to actively serve. She was very “particular” and had exquisite taste in antiques and fine objects, of which she had many, including real gold and silver. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Raymond and eight siblings, Eugene L. Blake, Alice Johnson, Robert, Jr., Mary Boulden (and James), William “Eeny Babe” Blake, Melvin E. Blake, Sr., Betty E. Blake-Smith and Irving G. Blake. Marlene leaves to mourn, a loving son, Lindsay Hollis, who she fondly called “Linny” and a devoted and faithful daughter-in-law, April; an almost constant companion/sister, Joyce Bowser and her husband, Bobby; two devoted nieces, Mary I. Smith, who helped her shop and Ethel M. Smith, her traveling partner; all of Betty Sudler’s girls, whom she adopted after Bettys death: Gloria, Dorothy, Ann and Rhonda; many nieces and nephews, Robert L. Bowser (Dominica), Albert L. Bowser (Jennifer), Anna Wilson, Ruth Wilson, Bishop Melvin E. Blake, Jr., Marlene Blake, Robert H. Blake, Ralph Smith, Harrison Smith, Jr., Raymond Smith, James Smith and Carla A. Blake; and a host of grand and great-grand nieces, nephews, close cousins, friends and family. She also leaves to mourn, her good friends, Rev. Grace Newton, Sylvia Kennedy Dobson and Eleanor G. Brown. Marlene was loved very much by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all.

Marlene Iris Hollis (Blake)

March 10, 1932 - August 27, 2019