Elisabeth Bray Blohm
1940-2015
“The best sister, devoted mother, Gram E, and friend ever”, Elisabeth “Lis” Bray Blohm passed away unexpectedly on November 9th in Memphis, TN.
Lis was born in the summer of 1940 in Arlington, KY. She was the first born of three daughters to Mary Elisabeth Hobbs Bray and Jack Bray of Paducah, KY. Lis always had a high regard for Paducah in Western Kentucky where the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers come together and a lifelong loyalty to her Blue Grass state and the University of Kentucky Wildcats Basketball program. This was where many enduring bonds of friendships began while living in two different houses on Forest Circle and attending elementary and high school there. She graduated from Paducah Tilghman in 1958. By her early teens, an amazing artistic talent had emerged. She continued sketching faces and characters for the rest of her life, using just a pen or pencil and her doodle pads. Lis created so many funny and creative drawings, especially the stylish paper dolls and ensembles that she made for each for her friends, her siblings, her sibling’s friends, and her children.
Lis continued her education at Stephen’s College (for Women) in Columbia, MO from 1958-60 and sustained her friendships with her two Stephen’s roommates for 55 more years. She then transferred to Memphis State University (now University of Memphis) where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in 1963. After taking classes at Murray State College to acquire her teaching credentials she taught elementary education in McCracken County, KY and for several more years with the Memphis City Schools after moving there. She used her creative talents working with a dear friend in interior design, helping friends and family with floral creations, and continued using her artistic talents for benefits of others throughout her lifetime.
Lis’ parents predeceased her. She is survived by her three children: Charlotte Bray, Catherine Pentecost (Matt), and Chase Blohm (Sara) who reside in the Memphis area and her two sisters:
Melinda Bray McCrea (Douglas) of Newport Beach, CA and Tootsie Bray Brown (Ronnie)
of Paducah, KY. She deeply loved, cared for, and was so proud of her four grandchildren—Taylor, Will, Edward, and Emily.
More than anything else, Lis believed that helping others was more important than
recognition and giving was more rewarding than receiving. This is how Lis lived her life—being a true and loyal friend, nurturer and mentor to her children, family, and friends, and special
grandmother--and that is how her legacy will live in the lives she touched and enhanced.
A memorial service was held on Sunday afternoon, November 15th, at White Station Church of Christ, Memphis, TN. Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah provided local arrangements.
The family requests that donations in memory of Lis be sent to: WKNO – 7151 Cherry Farms Road. Cordova, TN 38106.