Caryl Avis Blakely

Caryl was born in 1928 in Camden, New Jersey. She was one of nine children born to Helen and Paul Avis.  She is preceded in death by brothers, Paul, Glenn, Irwin and Lynn; and sisters, Lola, Norma, Jean and Charlotte.  She lost her husband James in 2000 and her son Brian in 1987.

Caryl was a Sargent in the U.S. Marine Corps where she met Staff Sargent James E. Blakely and they married in Waco, TX.  They had three children, Paula Joanne, Randy James and Brian Curtis.

She graduated from Camden High School and attended Camden Commercial College, Philadelphia School of Arts and Odessa College.

Caryl was a charter member of the Odessa Quilters and The Sage Brush Chapter of Decorative Arts.  She was an artist, quilter an excellent cook and a wonderful Mother.  She loved to play Bridge, Cribbage and any card games with friends and family.

Surviving her are her children Paula Blakely and Paula Shires, Randy and Carrie Blakely.  She had four grandchildren, Katie Barnes, Kelli and Tate Schwarz, Brittney and Tyler Barcena, Bailie and Logan Lane; and seven great grandchildren, Madelynn (Maddie), Blakleigh, Branham, Lawson, Easton, Sutton and Liam.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or your favorite Veterans Charity like the Wounded Warriors Project, Veterans Rescue Mission or any others of your choice.