Geraldine P. Blair

1915 - 2013

Geraldine P. Blair obituary, 1915-2013, Birmingham, AL

FUNERAL HOME

Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel

800 Dennison Ave Sw

Birmingham, Alabama

Geraldine Blair Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 12, 2013.


Geraldine Patterson Blair, 98, died peacefully on October 10, 2013, after a brief illness.  She was a loving mother and grandmother and a dedicated educator whose grace, intelligence, and positivity will be greatly missed.



Mrs. Blair was born on June 14, 1915, in Tallapoosa County, the eldest of five children born to the Honorable Lafayette Lee and Nancy Mann Patterson. Mrs. Blair spent her youth between Washington, D.C., where her father was a congressman, and Alexander City.  She then graduated from Gadsden High School and Howard College, now Samford University, where she played tennis and was a member of the Phi Mu Society.  She taught school at Camp Hill, Alabama before marrying Frank Furman Blair, Jr. on December 25, 1939.  They lived in East Lake, and Mrs. Blair returned to teaching at Barrett School in Birmingham until her retirement in 1975.



Mrs. Blair was an active member of East Lake United Methodist Church for many years and became a member of Canterbury United Methodist Church in her later life.  She was engaged in her community and was a founding member of the Celestine Club, was a member of the Caledonian Society, and served as President of the Birmingham Women's Civic Club.



Mrs. Blair was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers, and two sisters.



Mrs. Blair is survived by her daughters, Dr. Nancy Irene Blair Smith and husband Dr. Scott R. Smith of Enterprise, Alabama, and Dr. Mary Ann Blair Pass of Mountain Brook; her grandchildren, David Blair Pass, Rebecca Pass (Jonathan) Philipsborn, and Haden Frank Smith; one great-grandson Michael Blair Philipsborn; and seven nieces and one nephew.



The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Elmwood Chapel.  Services will be held at Elmwood Chapel at 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 17 with Rev. Dixon Mitchell officiating.



Memorials may be made to Samford University.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Geraldine Blair

What is your first memory of Geraldine?

Share a favorite memory you have of Geraldine.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Geraldine.

Describe a time when Geraldine made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Geraldine?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Geraldine.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Geraldine.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Geraldine.

What is something you learned from Geraldine?

Not sure what to say?

May 27, 2014

Steve Alldredge

Mrs Blair was one of the most amazing teachers at Barrett School.

March 1, 2014

Sharon Hedgecock

Mrs. Blair will always be part of my writing. Such a perfectionist determined to bring out the very best writing skills in her students. Mrs. Blair taught me at Barrett. RIP Mrs. Blair...I will never forget what you taught me. Thank you Mrs. Blair!

November 13, 2013

Noah Funderburg

Mrs. Blair was a fine teacher. A kind and gentle person. I am glad she had such a long life.

October 16, 2013

Green Hill Presbyterian Church

The prayers and sympathy of the Green Hill congregation are extended to Nancy Smith and her family in the loss of her dear mother.

October 15, 2013

Peggy Hathway

Wishes of comfort and love to Gerri's family. She was a funloving neighbor and lovely friend of many years; we have missed her gentle smile and warm hellos!

October 15, 2013

Gail McGrew

My sincere condolences to the family. May you find comfort in these words. John 11:35

October 14, 2013

Mrs. Blair was such a wonderful teacher of mine at Barrett School. Nothing but fond memories of such a great teacher. God Bless You and Keep You

October 14, 2013

Rick Burton

It was such a pleasure to have visited with the Blair family a lot back in the 1960's. Mrs. Blair was such a nice and sweet lady to be around. I am so sorry to hear of her passing but I know she is in a better place now. Her memory will always be an encouragement to all of us that were so blessed to have known her.

October 14, 2013

Mrs' Blair was one of my favorite teachers at Barrett School. A very patient person and glad she had a long life.
Johnny Schoettlin

October 14, 2013

We were in a supper club at Canterbury with her for many years. She was such a sweet lady!!! We enjoyed being with her so much! Sorry to hear about her passing.
Tony and Marilyn Hughes Leeds Al

October 14, 2013

Jim Franklin

Mrs. Blair was my teacher at barrett in the early 1960s. Like many others have said, she also attended my church.

She was a great combination of taskmaster and friend to all of her students.

Thanks, Mrs. Blair, for who you were and what you helped us become.

October 14, 2013

Mrs. Blair was always so very sweet and patient and kind. She made learning fun. She was one of the best teachers I ever had. Billy Dickerson

October 13, 2013

Jennifer Tisdale

During the early sixties, Mrs. Blair was my fifth grade teacher at Barrett. I learned more that year, worked harder, and studied more enthusiastically than any other year in elementary school. She also attended my church so I knew my parents would hear of any "misbehaving". In class, we loved hearing stories about her life, travels, and especially those concerning her husband and the "weather". Mrs. Blair was such an encouragement to me as I pursued a teaching degree in elementary education, and she often inquired about my progress with family members. May she rest in peace and comfort!

October 13, 2013

Toni Wall

Rest in peace Mrs. Blair! You were a teacher I will never forget! Definitely one of my favorites!

October 13, 2013

Cathy Kerrigan

I loved having Mrs. Blair for history, and still remember her telling of where she was when Germany invaded Belgium, and other things about WWII and the Cuban Missile Crisis. I honestly was thinking about her just the other day. I'm sorry to hear of her passing, but I'm lucky to have had her for a teacher. I wish her family blessings and peace.

Cathy Dickerson Kerrigan

October 13, 2013

Rita Wilson

I am sad to hear of your loss, she was a wonderful person. I have the fondest memories of Mrs. Blair from Barrett where she was one of my teachers (the 60s). May she Rest in Peace.

October 13, 2013

Robert Cummings

Mrs. Blair was one of my favorite teachers at Barrett. She was always cheerful and even tempered, and that wasn't easy with all of us unruly kids. She certainly left her mark in life, and we are the better for it.

October 12, 2013

Carolyn Young

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

October 12, 2013

Donta Williams-Lyles

I am honored to have known Mrs. Blair, although very briefly. She was a joy to be around. My prayers and condolences are with her family. May God's comfort and peace encompass you during this time.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in Geraldine Blair's name

Memorial Events
for Geraldine Blair

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel

800 Dennison Ave Sw, Birmingham, AL 35211-3812

How to support Geraldine's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Geraldine Blair's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more