Marene Balke Graham, 87, of Charlotte., NC, passed into eternity on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Born August 14, 1935, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she was the eldest of her late parents; Walter Blake, Sr. and Corine Johnson Blake.

From an early age, Marene attended St. Matthews AME Church, in Rock Hill. She was active throughout her youth and sange with her siblings during special church events. Her religious life was important to her, and as a member of South End Presbyterian Church, in Charlotte, NC, Marene was a member of the church choir, enjoyed attending circle meetings, and performed her duties as an elder and deacon for as long as she was able.

Marene served an indispensable role as a mother figure for her younger sisters and brothers, often employing her trademark "take charge" attitude. As a young teen, Marene began what would be many years of employments, working after school to help with family expenses.

A popular student, Marene was well-known for her outgoing and fun-loving nature. She endeared herself to students and teachers alike, and was name homecoming queen before graduating from Emmett Scott High School in 1954.

On February14, 1955, Marene wed the love of her life, Terry Louis Graham, and celebrated 49 years of marriage before his death in 2004. Four children were born into their union; Angeal (Samuel) Thompson, Shiree (Larry) Davis, Andre Terrell (who preceded her in death), and Warren Lewis. A military family, the Grahams' service took them to Georgia, Colorado, and California before the family finally settled in Charlotte, NC in 1966.

Marene entered nursing service as a young adult, a career that allowed her to share her gift and passion for caregiving for over three decades. After a brief retirement from Carolinas Medical Center, Marene returned to work for another thirteen years. She loved caring for others and continued to do so even after her formal retirement from hospital employment.

Marene was known by her family and friends as a generous giver of her time, energy, and resources. She was an avid decorator, enjoyed entertaining, and was quite the fashionista! She also enjoyed traveling for leisure with family and friends during her later years.

In addition to her loving husband and son, Marene was preceded in death by sisters Dorothy Ward and Alice Blake and brothers, Walter Blake, Jr., James and wife Selena Blake, Armester and wife Rena Blake, Jeffrey Blake, Andre Blake, and Alphonso Blake.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her three surviving children; four grandchildren; Jeton Graham, Demarcus Ivey, Starr (Delvico) Dunn, and Bianca (Patrick) Graham-Bruce, DeShaun Wilson, Jaslin Smith, Dante'Jones, Dion Janoes, Katherine McKoy, and Karen McKoy; twenty-two great grandchildren; three sisters; Kathryn (Robert) McMullen, Frances Martin, and Juanita (Melvin) Sullivan; five brothers; Frankie Blake, Donnell (Pamela) Blake,  Connell (Jackie) Blake, Winifred (Lola) Blake, Kenny Blake, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family by love, and friends.