Pina M. Blake

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Pina M. Blake, 87, of Columbia will be held Saturday, April 23, at 11:00 AM at Petersen Presbyterian Church, located at 8131 Brookfield Road, Columbia SC 29223. Jim Blackwelder, CRE, will officiate the service. Pina was born and grew up in Wurzburg, Germany. She is predeceased by her parents, Konrad and Anna Benkert; brother, Philipp Benkert; and sisters, Bertl Benkert Phluger and Anna Benkert Hinz. She met her husband, Wayland Gordon Blake, when she was working as a work order specialist for the US Army Post Engineers while he was stationed in Bamberg, Germany at the end of World War II. Pina is survived by her beloved Gordon; as well as her son, Lincoln Conrad Blake (Katie); daughters, Claudia Blake Cavey (Calvin), Phyllis Blake Buie (Dodd) and Lillian Blake Stover (Doug). She is also survived by her grandchildren, who affectionately know her as "Oma", including Bryan Blake (Kristen), Jennifer Blake Mitchell (Will), Blake Best, Phillip Buie, Erin Buie, Blair Stover and Parker Stover; and her great grandchildren, Elizabeth Blake and James Wayland Blake. Pina was a beautiful and charming woman, who lived her life selflessly, devoting herself to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was an influential part of their lives, and her presence will be greatly missed. In addition to spending time with her family over holidays, vacations, and family get togethers, Pina was an active and lifelong member of Petersen Presbyterian Church, participating in Sunday School, Women's Circle, and all service activities sponsored by her church. She also enjoyed spending time with her German club friends, attending plays and musicals, traveling, reading books, and playing board games. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army's Woodyard Fund, at PO Box 2786 Columbia SC 29202 or to a charity of your choice.