Deacon William (Bill) Blow

Homegoing Celebration for Deacon William Blow

Sunrise: August 8, 1941 – Sunset: March 7, 2025

William (Bill) Blow, Sr., was born on August 8, 1941, to Ms. Myrtle Eason and James Blow in Hickory, VA.  Bill accepted Christ at an early age at Bright Star Church of God in Christ, where he was a choir member. He was educated in the Chesapeake Public School system and attended Crestwood High School. Bill, a natural athlete, was very active in sports all his life and excelled in every sport he played: baseball, basketball, football, and track.

Bill married Gladys Lawrence in 1963, and they had 10 children (seven boys and three girls) together.

After moving to Waterbury, Bill participated in several softball and semi-pro football and baseball teams. After his playing days ended, Bill worked as an umpire for several years. His love for sports allowed him to coach a women’s softball team for several years.

Beginning in 1966, Bill worked for several companies in Waterbury, CT. He retired from Osram Sylvania (formerly GTE) after 31 years of service in 2001.  Post-retirement, Bill became a school bus driver in 2001 for Cheshire Public Schools, driving special needs children for 24 years.  Bill loved the children he drove, and they loved him. He always gave them encouraging words and Godly advice. When they would see him years after they had ridden with him, they would make sure they said hello and thanked him for all he did.

Bill’s friendly and welcoming personality enabled him to enter any room as a stranger but leave with a room of new friends.

Bill married the love of his life, the former La Donna Brown, in 1992. From that union, he gained a bonus daughter. Bill met La Donna while enjoying their favorite sport, bowling. They bowled together for over 20 years, traveling to tournaments nationwide and participating in bowling leagues and clubs around the state. Bill achieved five perfect 300 games during his bowling career.

Bill and La Donna joined Zion Baptist Church in 1993.  They often served in the same ministries, but that didn’t matter; if one was involved in a ministry, both could be counted on to help. Bill served on the Mission (IM)Possible Social Action and Substance Abuse Ministry, was president of the Male Chorus for several years, Men’s Day chairman, a member of the Adult Mass Choir, the Zion Baptist Scholarship Committee, and the Pilgrim Missionary Ministry. He was also known to have assisted with the Junior Missionary ministry, Intermediate Missionary ministry, and Sunday School events. In April 2019, William Blow was ordained as a deacon and served as the Chief of the Tribe of Judah for those born in January. Bill and La Donna attended the Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention and the National Baptist Convention, USA Inc. whenever possible.

Bill’s love for the Mets, Giants, and the Knicks was only rivaled by his passion for singing, which he did until his illness would not allow him to participate. Bill never met a song he didn’t like; he sang at church and in church musicals and plays. He sang at the Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention and the National Baptist Convention, where he had the privilege to be in the choir on stage with Yolanda Adams.

Bill entered into eternal rest on March 7, 2025. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and James Blow; daughter, A uror a Blow; and granddaughter, Kimberly Madera.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 32 years, La Donna; 10 children, Herbert Lawrence (Sandra), Lorie Brown (Tyrone), Marcus Blow (Sonja), Anthony Blow (Yolanda), Sharon Blow, Bryan Blow, Robert Blow all of Va., Dennis Blow, William Blow, Jr. (Denise), of CT, and La Norra Mckissick (Hudson) of Chicago Il; 53 grandchildren; 106 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; his Sister/cousin Ellen Wilson (Dave); an Aunt, Darlene Eason ; a host of cousins; and several godchildren.

A celebration of Deacon William’s life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 10am at Zion Baptist Church, Waterbury. Viewing in Church from 9am to 10am. Interment to follow at New Pine Grove Cemetery, Waterbury, CT. Arrangements have been entrusted to Colonial Funerals, 270 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT and James R. Sanders, Funeral Director. Condolences may be expressed at colonialfunerals.com.