Obituary for Audrey Nell Blaylock
Audrey Nell Blaylock was born on January 21, 1924 in Lavaca, Arkansas to Marshall and Iva Cobbs. On March 3, 2021, at 97 years old, her mansion was completed and ready for immediate occupancy. And at 4:21 that day, she moved in.
She was born in Arkansas, but when Audrey was six years old, her family moved to Porterville, CA. Most of her memories center around her time lived close to family in Porterville. She accepted Jesus at a young age, and that commitment was one she stayed true to all of her life. She graduated from Porterville High School in 1941. On February 5, 1942, Audrey married Gleeson F. Blaylock. She continued to live in Porterville because Gleeson was in the Navy and out to sea more than he was in port. After a year apart, this arrangement no longer worked for either of them and she moved across the United States to Brooklyn, New York, Gleeson’s homeport. She worked in the Navy shipyard while there. When the war ended, they packed up their car to make the trip home to Porterville. Six months after returning home, their only child, Brent was born.
Audrey waited until Brent went to school to go back to work. All who knew her understood why accounting was the perfect fit for her - she was very meticulous and precise. Every job she held was as much about the relationships she formed with her coworkers, as it was about the job itself. She often talked fondly of her time with Giumarra Brothers Vineyards, which was a significantly shorter stint than her 25 years with Delano Union Elementary School District. Her relationships formed in the 25 years of working for DUESD were ones that continued to the end of her life.
Audrey had a gentle, determined strength that served her well through many hurdles - caring for Gleeson (10 years w/Alzheimers), 2 broken hips, 1 broken pelvis and, at the end, 8-9 strokes that left her unable to speak, or walk. She was in every sense a “Steel Magnolia” – a fragile flower, stronger than nails.
She is survived by her son and his wife - Brent and Cheryl Blaylock, grandchildren – Tracie Gonzales & husband Pete, Trevor Weeks & wife Kim, Shannon Hillis & husband Brandon, great-grandchildren – Zion Wulfekuehler, Ryn Weeks, Brody Hillis, Taylor Weeks, Blane Hillis, as well as, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held at Family Community Fellowship - 10700 Brimhall Road at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday March 18, 2021. No visitation is scheduled. Graveside service will be held at Vandalia Cemetery in Porterville, CA on Friday March 19, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
She was born in Arkansas, but when Audrey was six years old, her family moved to Porterville, CA. Most of her memories center around her time lived close to family in Porterville. She accepted Jesus at a young age, and that commitment was one she stayed true to all of her life. She graduated from Porterville High School in 1941. On February 5, 1942, Audrey married Gleeson F. Blaylock. She continued to live in Porterville because Gleeson was in the Navy and out to sea more than he was in port. After a year apart, this arrangement no longer worked for either of them and she moved across the United States to Brooklyn, New York, Gleeson’s homeport. She worked in the Navy shipyard while there. When the war ended, they packed up their car to make the trip home to Porterville. Six months after returning home, their only child, Brent was born.
Audrey waited until Brent went to school to go back to work. All who knew her understood why accounting was the perfect fit for her - she was very meticulous and precise. Every job she held was as much about the relationships she formed with her coworkers, as it was about the job itself. She often talked fondly of her time with Giumarra Brothers Vineyards, which was a significantly shorter stint than her 25 years with Delano Union Elementary School District. Her relationships formed in the 25 years of working for DUESD were ones that continued to the end of her life.
Audrey had a gentle, determined strength that served her well through many hurdles - caring for Gleeson (10 years w/Alzheimers), 2 broken hips, 1 broken pelvis and, at the end, 8-9 strokes that left her unable to speak, or walk. She was in every sense a “Steel Magnolia” – a fragile flower, stronger than nails.
She is survived by her son and his wife - Brent and Cheryl Blaylock, grandchildren – Tracie Gonzales & husband Pete, Trevor Weeks & wife Kim, Shannon Hillis & husband Brandon, great-grandchildren – Zion Wulfekuehler, Ryn Weeks, Brody Hillis, Taylor Weeks, Blane Hillis, as well as, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held at Family Community Fellowship - 10700 Brimhall Road at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday March 18, 2021. No visitation is scheduled. Graveside service will be held at Vandalia Cemetery in Porterville, CA on Friday March 19, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.