Marjorie Ward Blair

Marjorie Ward Blair, 91, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 24, 2026, following a brief illness. Her daughter Deborah was by her side. She entered the gates of heaven hearing those famous words “job well done my good and faithful servant “. A fifth generation Alabama native, Marjorie was born on April 26, 1935, in Dothan, Alabama to Bessie Lewis Ward and Ernest Ralph Ward. Her family later moved to Marianna, Florida, where she graduated from Marianna High School. A proud FSU alumni, Marjorie enjoyed a long career in Social Work, working very passionately and diligently with the developmentally disabled. Her first job assignment following graduation from FSU was in Live Oak, Florida, and it was there that she met her future husband, Charles Franklin Blair, a native of Jasper, Florida. They were married on January 24, 1959, celebrating over 50 years of marriage before the death of Charles on June 24, 2012. Following retirement, the couple enjoyed numerous trips to Europe, Canada and various points of interest across the United States. As a young family, they settled in Tallahassee, making it their home for over 55 years. The epitome of a genial southern lady, she lived a life that was defined by her strong Christian faith, being an active member of Thomasville Road Baptist Church for over 50 years. A friend to her every acquaintance, she looked for the good in people, and was always a willing contributor for any endeavor that was of benefit to a friend or neighbor. The consummate Southern Hostess, Marjorie hosted numerous family gatherings for decades, always serving her trademark fresh vegetables and fresh fruit with each meal. Marjorie was an accomplished cook and homemaker, maintaining an immaculate home. She loved to host both Bridge and Bunco card games in her home. Fiercely independent until her final days, she could often be found working in her yard. She voluntarily stopped driving in Tallahassee traffic at the age of 90. Marjorie is survived by her daughter, Deborah Blair Davis (Charles), Cairo, Ga., her son, Brian Thomas Blair (Marla), Tallahassee, her two granddaughters, who were the apples of her eyes, Blair Ivey Davis, Tallahassee, and Sydney Nicole Blair, Tampa, her brother, Dr. Bob Ward, Tallahassee, her brothers-in-law, Alton Blair, Jacksonville and Jerry Blair (Luanne), Live Oak, nephews Stacy Blair (Andrea), Greg Blair, Alan Blair (Jessica), Chris Blair (Belinda), great nephews Bryson Blair, Zachary Blair, Nathan Blair, Mason Blair and great niece, Zoe Blair, as well as several very special cousins. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Pearl McGhin Blair and Roy Lee Blair, and sisters-in-law Joyce Pepper Ward and Caren Murphy Blair. A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Monday, June 1 at 11 a.m. at Thomasville Road Baptist Church, with Dr. Ron McCaskill officiating. Visitation will precede the service from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church. Private interment will follow at Tallahassee National Cemetery. For those desiring, the family respectfully requests contributions to The Children’s Ministry, Thomasville Road Baptist Church, 3131 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308 or Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, Florida 32308. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2nd Timothy 4:7 Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Blair family with their arrangements.

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Marjorie Ward Blair

April 26, 1935 - May 24, 2026