Dona A. (Justice) Blair

Dona Alice (Justice) Blair died peacefully at home on September -, 2025, at the age of 89, after a brief illness.

Dona is survived by her loving children: a son, James Randall Blair, and his wife, Jeri Jo Blair; a daughter, Sheila Marie (Blair) Sutphin, and her husband, Teddy Sutphin; granddaughters, Jessica Marie Blair and Sarah Elizabeth Sutphin; step-grandchildren, Jason Ashley Jett, Moises Sambrano, Tara Powell, Gilbert Sambrano; and fifteen great-grandchildren. Dona is also survived by her niece, Tanya Louise Valencia; great-niece, Damaris Octavia Halilovic; and her beloved sister and caregiver for the last several years, Shirley Marie (Justice) Valencia.

Dona was born on February 22, 1936, in Pikeville, Kentucky, to the late John Allen and Bertha (Adkins) Justice. In addition to her parents, Dona was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, James Carmel Blair; by a son, James Reed Blair; and parents-in-law, Whetsel and Hester (Meade) Blair.

In April 1955, Dona’s Sunday School sweetheart, James, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. On March 1, 1956, Dona married James, and for the next 23 years, they traveled the world together with their children. Dona was a devoted military wife to James during his many deployments and when he served in Vietnam. Much of the time, she was left alone to raise their children and take care of the household while James was deployed. When he retired in 1978, they were finally able to put down roots, enjoy their home, and devote time to gardening, photography, going to garage sales, and enjoying their children and grandchildren.

Dona was an avid gardener, spending many springs and summers in her yard gardening. Her efforts did not go unnoticed and her yard was awarded the Dayton City Beautification Award one year. Dona was also an animal lover who provided a home for countless cats over the years, many of them coming to her as strays. Above all else, Dona was a devoted wife and a loving mother who cherished her children and continually showed it in countless ways. She was the rock of the family whose quiet yet no-nonsense strength could be felt by all. In her final years, she would often tell stories about her travels with James and about her children when they were young. Dona will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dayton for the tender care and compassion given to Dona in her last days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton or the Dayton Humane Society. Private services will be held by the family at a later date.