Ladainian Jonathan Lee Blake, affectionately known as “LJ,” received his heavenly wings on April 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family during a medical episode.
A resident of Akron, Ohio, LJ was the beloved son of Carl Jonathan Blake and Lyanna Coleman. He was a joyful presence in the lives of all who knew him.
LJ was a member of New Covenant and Second Baptist Church. He received his education through Akron Public Schools and Total Education Solutions, with additional support from Summit County Developmental Disabilities. His life was enriched by the care and compassion of family, community, and those who supported his journey.
LJ had a deep love for home-cooked meals, with spaghetti salad being his absolute favorite. He found great joy in the simple pleasures— playing in bouncy houses, swings, trampoline jumping, and his favorite shows, SpongeBob SquarePants and Degrassi. Family gatherings brought him happiness, and for the past 15 years, he was lovingly supported by close relatives in his daily life. With the devoted help of his parents, LJ proudly participated in the Annual Akron Autism Marathon.
He is preceded in death by grandparents, Carl Rayford Higginbottom, Wendell and Diana Vannoy.
He is survived by his devoted parents, Lyanna Coleman and Carl Jonathan (CJ) Blake; great-grandmothers, Maxine E. Blake, Mildred Hubbard (Cleveland), and Brenda Smoke Grant; grandparents, Todd and Lydiane Bagley, Marvin Coleman (Mansfield), and Cynthia D. Blake-Stokes; and his brother, Carter Blake (Columbus); aunts, MacBeth Vannoy (Perry), Chelsea, Francine E. Blake, Deon, Brenda Marie, Laillas Coleman, Michelle Alvarez-Gage (Andre), Marissa and Ja’Saudra Mullens, Rashanik Wood, Tamika and Tkeyah Brown; and special aunts, Kendra Fountain Gaston, Althea Jackson, Brielle Tucker, and Beth Locke; uncles, Marvin Dennis (Ashlie) Coleman, Marvin Coleman III, Raychaun, Chico Coleman, Terrance and Terrell Bagley Sr., Melvin, William (Vanessa) and Darrell (Ida) Blake, Khai Locke, and the late Austin Cook and late Tyrese Bagley; special cousins, Kehlani and Karter Coleman, Jaiden, Logan and Brendan Coleman, Alaina Blake Carr, and Aniya Howze Blake and a host of other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at Sommerville Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Rd. Akron, Oh 44320. Funeral service will immediately follow.