With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the remarkable journey of Ann Marie Blair—a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, passionate educator, faithful servant of the Lord, and tireless community leader.

Born on June 22, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, Ann was one of 22 siblings and one of 17 born to Odis and Prince Alice Moore. From the beginning, she stood out with her quiet strength, sharp mind, and deep compassion. Growing up in a large, close-knit family taught her the values of resilience, generosity, and faith—values that would define her life and legacy.

Ann attended Vashon High School in St. Louis, where she developed a love of learning and a vision for her future. Inspired by her Aunt Ruth, who was a guiding light and a source of encouragement, Ann left St. Louis after graduating high school and courageously moved to Lansing, Michigan. There, she pursued her education at Lansing Community College, earning an associate degree in Business Education. It was during this formative period that Ann met the love of her life, Willie Ray Blair, setting in motion a lifelong partnership grounded in love, mutual respect, and a shared faith.

In 1966, Ann and Willie were joined in holy matrimony, beginning a joyful union that would span 58 years. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising two sons—Jason and Jonathan—who were the pride and joy of their lives. Ann poured her heart into motherhood, creating a home filled with love, encouragement, laughter, and unwavering faith.

Ann's pursuit of knowledge never stopped. She continued her studies and earned both her bachelor's degree in business education and a master's degree in Secondary Education and School Administration from Michigan State University—a testament to her determination and her love of teaching.

Her passion for education led to a long and distinguished career in the Lansing School District, where she touched the lives of countless students, families, and fellow educators. She began as a business education teacher at Hill High School, where her commitment to her students and their success quickly stood out. Her leadership abilities soon led her to administrative roles. She served as Assistant Principal at both Hill High School and Lansing Eastern High School, Principal of Hill Vocational Center, and finally Principal of Gardner Middle School. She also played an important role in West Junior High's alternative education program. Ann was a trusted mentor, a thoughtful leader, and a tireless advocate for young people. Her former students and colleagues often speak of her as a steady presence—firm, kind, and deeply invested in their growth.

But Ann's calling extended beyond the classroom. A faithful woman of God, she was baptized shortly before her marriage at Kimberly Downs Church of Christ, and soon after, she and Willie became devoted members of Holmes Road Church of Christ, where they served faithfully for decades. As a Bible school teacher, Ann brought her love for education into the spiritual lives of children. She was known for her ability to connect with her students, always striving to make God's Word understandable, personal, and meaningful. Whether leading a class or lending her voice to church events, she served with humility, wisdom, and grace.

Even after retiring from her formal roles in education, Ann continued to be a powerful force for good in her community. She embraced retirement not as a time to rest, but as a time to deepen her service. She remained a dedicated Bible school teacher at Holmes Road Church of Christ and gave her time generously to numerous organizations that reflected her values and her commitment to young people and families.

Ann served on the Board of Directors of the Mid-Michigan Red Cross, contributed to the Diversity Committee of the Girl Scouts of Michigan, and helped shape community spaces through her work on the Hawk Island Children's Playground Committee. She was also a Board Member of the South Side Community Coalition, and a proud member—and past President—of the South Lansing chapter of the Kiwanis Club.

In addition, she served as the Coordinator for the Science in the City Program, where she mentored minority students in STEM fields, encouraging academic achievement and opening doors to future careers. She was a Board Member and Secretary of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program of Ingham County, helping to amplify the voices of children navigating the foster care and court systems. Always passionate about developing leadership in young people, Ann also served as an Advisor for K-Kids at Willow Elementary and Attwood Elementary Schools, guiding the next generation in service and civic engagement.

Ann had a remarkable ability to build and nurture relationships, and she treasured the connections she made across every season of her life. Her home was a place of welcome, wisdom, and warmth. Her laugh was genuine, her advice thoughtful, and her faith steadfast. She believed deeply in the power of education, the importance of service, and the sacred duty of loving others well.

On April 25, 2025, Ann Marie Blair peacefully went home to be with the Lord, leaving behind a profound legacy of love, faith, and service. Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing that she has entered her eternal rest.

She is preceded in death by: her beloved parents, Odis and Prince Alice Moore; her brothers, Odis Moore Jr., Gerald Moore, Wayne Moore, and Frankie Moore; and her sisters, Marlene Moore, Mae Francis Scruggs, Maxine Harris, Dorothy Moore, Alma Sue Buckley, and Christine Allen.

Ann is survived by: her devoted husband, Willie Blair; her loving sons, Jason (Ramona) and Jonathan (Kyre); and three treasured grandsons, Bryson, Christian, and Cameron. She also leaves behind: her brothers, Lendell Moore (Lorraine) and Robert Earl Moore (Pecola); her sisters, Lois Jean Curtis, Elaine Moore, Marjorie Brown, Alicia Jackson, Joyce Denise Thames (Willie), and Marcella Stroud (Eugene); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and spiritual family from Holmes Road Church of Christ and other congregations.

Special friends who held a dear place in Ann's heart include: Maxine Coward, June Demps, Joyce Porter, Diana Boatwright, Cynthia Harrington, Bobbie Bostic, Robbie Steward, Bessie Roper, Cathy Lynch, and Benita Hodge, whom she loved like a daughter.

Ann Marie Blair's light lives on in every life she touched. She will be remembered not only for what she accomplished, but for how she lived—with purpose, integrity, devotion, and love.

Arrangements for Mrs. Blair are as follows: