Loretta Blakely

October 1, 1942 - January 11, 2022

Loretta Young Blakely of Easton, MD passed away on January 11, 2022. Loretta was born in Sophia, WV on October 1, 1942 to the late Rev. Cleveland Richard Young and Susan Mae Reid Young. Loretta attended Sophia High School where she was an active member in many organizations, including National Honor Society, Student Council, Tri-Hi-Y, 4-H Club, FHA, Choir, Bible Club and the Newspaper staff. She was a cheerleader throughout high school and at Beckley College. Loretta met the love of her life, Lewis Blakely while in high school. They married in 1962. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and teacher. Loretta began her lifelong career in education as a teacher in Clinton Co., Ohio. She also taught in Fayette Co. and Kanawha Co. in WV. Loretta and Lew moved to VA in 1967. Her love of teaching children led her to continue her career in education within Louisa Co. Goochland Co. and to obtain her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University. While in Goochland, she was a Reading Specialist and the Coordinator for the County’s Talented and Gifted Program; a little league soccer coach and the high school’s cheerleading coach. Loretta was awarded Teacher of the Year by her fellow teachers in both Goochland and Hanover Co. schools. She was also an active member of Grace Episcopal Church in Goochland where she served on the Vestry. Loretta retired from the educational field as a gifted coordinator for Hanover Co. schools. In 2003, Loretta and Lew retired to the coastal region of the Northern Neck of Virginia where they enjoyed sunsets, wildlife, good friends and family. Loretta was an active member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Heathsville, VA. In 2018, they moved from there to Easton, MD to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Loretta will be remembered for her gracious and generous heart, her love and adoration of her family, her faith in the Lord and her gift of teaching. Loretta’s memory is cherished by her husband Lew, to whom she was married for 59 years; two children, Cindy Carrier and her husband Robert of Harwood, MD, Shawn Blakely and his wife Tara of Stevensville, MD; her five grandchildren, Kyle and Ben Carrier, Grace, William and Connor Blakely. Loretta is also survived by her five siblings, Lenvil Young and his wife Topsy, Sallie Blair, Paul Young, Elizabeth Flanagan and her husband Dave, Roger Young and his wife Sandy; and many nieces and nephews and life-long friends. She is predeceased by her brothers Jimmie and Johnny Young. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Easton, 111 S. Harrison Street, Easton, MD 21601 on Saturday March 12th, 2022, at 11am. A celebration will follow at 12:30pm at the Easton Club Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.