LOS ANGELES, CA – Pastor Lawrence Champion Blake, youngest son of Lady Mae L. Blake and Bishop Charles Blake Sr., has passed away after a battle with cancer. The Blake family released a statement on Wednesday (Jan 28).
According to the Facebook page “COGIC Family Life – News, Events and Churches,”
“The Blake family announces with deep sorrow the passing of our beloved Lawrence Champion Blake, who transitioned on January 27, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 54 years old.
Lawrence was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful son, and a shepherd after God’s own heart. As senior pastor of Palm Lane Church of God in Christ, he served with humility, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to redemption. Though he endured a season of physical challenge, he faced it with courage and conviction. We believe he transitioned from labor to reward having never yielded to doubt, defeat, or despair, but instead having fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. His legacy will continue to speak through those he loved and served.
The family invites the public to join us in celebrating Lawrence’s life and ministry at his Homegoing Celebration, to be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at West Angeles Cathedral, located at 3600 Crenshaw Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016. A public viewing will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. prior to the service.
During this time of profound loss, the family respectfully requests privacy as we grieve, reflect, and honor Lawrence’s life together.
We are deeply grateful for the prayers, love, and support extended to our family and to the Palm Lane and West Angeles church communities during this difficult time.
— The Blake Family”
Lawrence Champion Blake was the pastor of Palm Lane Church of God In Christ, which is located in Los Angeles. The pastor was installed as senior leader of the church in 2024 after serving at his mother and father’s church, West Angeles Church of God In Christ.
“I always thought I would have something to do with West Angeles Church and my father’s ministry and often, when we think we know what God wants us to do, we’re mistaken,” Pastor Lawrence Champion Blake said when reflecting on his journey at the time. “God had a different plan,” he added.
“Of course, I miss the ministry at West Angeles. I was born there, raised there, trained and taught there, and I realized that it was my training ground,” the clergyman admitted. “Where I am now is the ground God had for me, and it’s a blessing.”
Pastor Lawrence Champion Blake leaves behind a wife, Jeanine Brent-Blake, and three children.