Geraldine B. Blair

Geraldine Bower Blair passed away on October 8. 2022 at the age of 98 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family. Geraldine (Dena) was raised in Dixie Georgia. She graduated from Dixie High School and subsequently attended Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville, Ga graduating in 1944 with a degree in Home Economics and Elementary Education. After college, she married the love of her long life, Leon Lanier Blair. They were married for 78 years, living a life of service to her family and community. Dena taught in the Thomasville City school system for 26 years. She was a faithful member of the Thomasville First United Methodist Church for 66 years where she was a member of the Sue McTier Sunday school class, the UMW Circle 3 and served the church and its outreach ministries in numerous other ways. She enjoyed many years of fun and travels with the Keenagers, a sassy group of church seniors who met and traveled together, sharing life experiences that enriched her life in so many ways . Dena was also served as president of the Ochlocknee PTA, was a member of the Thomasville Junior Service League, the John B Gordon chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Countess Vandal Garden Club, Thomasville Landmarks, Thomasville Historical Society and other community service organizations throughout the years.
Geraldine was a gifted artistic seamstress and needle crafter, creating heirloom garments, blankets, jeweled egg purses, smocked gowns and dresses for all of the girls in her family. Her talent was second to none and she leaves behind so many of these special gifts not only to her family but to special friends as well. Before her death, it was important to her that each of her 12 great grandchildren have a blanket made especially for each one. This goal was accomplished and she was able to present these gifts to each one individually.
Dena was preceded by in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Emory Scott Bower, her sister, Jaqueline Bower Wells and her beloved son, Dennis Jerome Blair. She is survived by her faithful and loving husband, Leon Lanier Blair, son Gary Wayne Blair (Penny), daughter, Anita Blair Boyle (Bob), daughter-in-law Ann Pettijohn Blair and sister-in-law, Betty Cole. She was a dedicated grandmother to 5 wonderful grandchildren, Brian Blair (DeAnn), Roslie Blair Parrish (Chris), Joseph Wheeler Casey (Hannah), Lauren Liggett (Kristy0, Emory Scott Blair (Mary Beth) and great grandmother to 12 beautiful great grandchildren.
Service for Geraldine Blair will be held on Wednesday, October12, at Thomasville First United Methodist Church at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held preceding the service at 10:00am in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be at Laurel Hill cemetery immediately following the service. Serving as pall bearers will be John Ogburn, John Boothe, Bob Smith, Bruce Fykes, Bill Sellers and Welch Goggins. Officiants will be Rev. Carrie Meyers and Mr. Floyd White.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children c/o Hasan Temple 182, Palmyra Road, Albany, GA 31701 or Thomasville First United Methodist Church, PO Box 975, Thomasville, Ga 31799.