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.
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
Funeral services provided by:
Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel800 Dennison Ave Sw, Birmingham, AL 35211-3812
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more