D. Diane Blair's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Delores Diane Blair, age 82 of Charleston, entered her Heavenly Home on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 while in the comfort of her home. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Services honoring and celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 14, 2016 at First Christian Church, 411 Jackson Avenue in Charleston with Pastor Mike Southards officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery - Charleston. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in her honor be made to First Christian Church in Charleston, Lincolnland Hospice or to a charity of the donor's preference. Gifts may be left during the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Diane was born January 25, 1934 in Eugene, Oregon to the late Kenneth Delmar and Lillian Minola (Gordon) Horn. Diane and her sisters enjoyed beach living when growing up in Oregon and helping with the family cabin rental business. Her marriage to Gene Blair blessed her with four loving children, Grant M. Blair and wife Gail of Pretoria, South Africa, Alice K. Smith of Mattoon, Paul G. Blair and wife Jan of Leesburg, IN and Thomas A. Blair and wife Shelli of Charleston. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, Sheila, Monique, Juleen, Rachel, Josiah, and Abbey Blair, Krista (Jerry) Baker, Kelsi (Justin) Hudson, Brianna Smith, Nick and Gordon Blair, Samantha (Jared) Tanner, and Jordan and Mackenzie Blair; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Doris Forcia of Bandon, OR and Donna Parsons of Portland, OR; and several nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a grandchild, Benjamin Blair and her longtime friend, Richard "Dick" Bails. Diane attended the University of Oregon and Northwest Christian College in Eugene, receiving Bachelor's Degrees from both universities. While still in Oregon she taught high school English and Speech classes. After moving to Charleston, she attained a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling and a Specialist Degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University and assisted Charleston High School students as a Freshman Counselor for three years. The biggest part of her career was spent at Eastern Illinois University where she was employed for 29 years as a publications manager. Diane was a woman of faith and a member of God's Kingdom. She has attended and been actively involved at First Christian Church in Charleston since 1970 as a member of the Golden Gleaners Sunday School class and a participant in numerous Bible Study groups. One of the highlights of her life was the mission trip that took her to Barbados at the age of 75. To say that Diane kept active might be an understatement - not many could keep up with her. Her volunteer work with Lincoln Log Cabin, Tarble Arts Center and the Neal Welcome Center kept her connected with the Charleston community, and she considered her commitment to the elderly with visits, taxi service and etc. to be her ministry. Diane was actively involved with E.I.U.'s International Student Program serving as a host family coordinator. For the past 30 years she has opened her home to E.I.U. faculty and students, providing for them not only a comfortable home but a pleasant atmosphere. She enjoyed going to the Life Span Center and took advantage of the many activities it had to offer. Diane loved to play cards with family and friends and was a member of numerous card clubs. Her love for traveling encouraged her to take part in many bus trips and cruises providing an opportunity to meet new friends and to enjoy many new and exciting experiences. Diane walked for exercise and that included to and from work as well as during lunch. Diane enjoyed an active and productive life but her greatest accomplishment was being a loving and devoted mother who was committed to raising her children and providing them with diverse opportunities for their life. She enjoyed being a grandmother, not only to her own grandchildren and great-grandchildren but to the many students who called her house home, and knew her as "Granny" . Diane was an admired and respected woman by her friends and colleagues and dearly loved by an extensive family.Click to view Diane's memorial video. SERVICES Visitation Sunday, March 13, 2016 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920 Funeral Service Monday, March 14, 2016 10:00 AM First Christian Church 411 Jackson Avenue Charleston, IL 61920
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