Alta Marie Blue

Alta Marie Blue was born to Howard and Carrie (Coleman) Hillery on May 20,1925 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was Educated in Baltimore City Public Schools, i.e., (Harvey Johnson Junior High School and Douglas High School) where she received her diploma. After graduation she met Leamon "Daddy" Blue Smitten by his captivating hazel brown eyes and soon after they became inseparable. On June 3, 1943, Rev. Frank J. Frye, the former Pastor of John Wesley United Methodist Church, officiated their wedding. This couple was blessed to raise seven beautiful children: Ernestine, Edward, Evelyn, Ellen, Earl, Elsa, and Elroy. In her professional journey, Alta began her career as a domestic worker before dedicating over two decades of her life to the Baltimore City Health Department as a home health aide and retiring in 1987. She demonstrated remarkable compassion and commitment while caring for seniors, providing not just physical assistance but also emotional support through her simple acts of kindness, including grocery runs and heartfelt conversations. Her passion for serving others extended beyond her job; she was also devoted missionary, visiting nursing homes to uplift the spirits of the sick with her prayers and thoughtful gifts. Her generosity was evident in her everyday interactions, often marked by her tradition of celebrating birthdays with personalized cards and small tokens of affection. She took pride in offering care and attention, as well as her homemade nail cream and massages, showcasing her nurturing spirit. Alta loved her rings and displayed them prominently in pictures, often saying, “be sure to get my rings.” Mother Blue’s love for GOD has been deeply rooted in her unwavering faith and commitment to service. She dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and became an integral part of our Father’s House of Prayer For All People under the leadership of Pastor Ester Hill. During those formative years, with only seven members attending. She learned the importance of community and steadfastness in faith. This foundation has greatly influenced her approach to life with a spirit of love. As time went on she received the right hand of fellowship at the Alpha and Omega Pentecostal Church Organization, where she was surrounded by strong spiritual mentorship, particularly from the RT Reverend Magdalene Philipsn (founder), at Saint James Alpha and Omega Pentecostal Church. Under the guidance of Pastor Lloyd E. Hall, Rev. Lucille McDonald, Bishop Stanley Cruse and Overseer Paul Gross (current pastor), she witnessed the impact of dedicated service within the church community. Mother Blue has demonstrated remarkable diligence and a genuine passion for serving others and was actively involved in numerous boards, committees, and ministries at Saint James, showcasing her leadership abilities and commitment to making a difference. Notably she held positions as the chair of the charity board and the pastor’s aide, and she contributed her time as an usher missionary, and deaconess. Alta’s holy life is evident in the fruits of her labor, which extend beyond her immediate contributions; they resonate through her family legacy that birthed spiritual leaders in four generations. Mother Blue’s dedication to her faith and service inspired two of her children, Rev. Ernestine M. Price and Bishop Earl A. Blue, to preach the Gospel. This legacy is a testament to the strength of her character and the profound impact she had made on those around her. Mother Blue, as she was so affectionately called, was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and a wonderful friend to many, especially among the youth who found solace and guidance in her presence. She was always there when needed, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance; always willing to give of her heart and her purse. A very spiritual woman in every way, she was known for her hearty laugh, smile, vibrant personality, and kind heart. This endeared her to many. She transitioned to her heavenly home on April 5, 2025, at the age of 99 years, 10 months, and 16 days. Alta was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Carrie (Coleman) Hillery; her husband, Leamon M. Blue; four brothers, Joseph (Roberta), Howard (Alberta), Vernon and George (Nina) Hillery; one sister, Ruth Hillery-Stokes (Leon); three daughters, Rev. Ernestine M. Price (Willie “Charles”), Elsa A. Blue, Evelyn Witherspoon (Jerome); one son, Elroy Blue (Sharon/Elizabeth); and one grandson, Anthony J. Moses. Mother Blue leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished by her family, including her two sons, Edward (Louise) and Earl (Carolyn); her daughter, Ellen Martin-Moses-Daniels (Eugene); nineteen grandchildren, thirty- nine great-grandchildren, and eighteen great-great-grandchildren. She was the heart and soul of our family, and she will be deeply missed. Her community and church family, along with a multitude of friends, will continue to honor her memory.

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Alta Marie Blue

May 20, 1925 - April 5, 2025