Shirley R. Blair

 

Funeral services for Mrs. Shirley Ratcliff Blair, formerly of Silver Creek, will be conducted at 3:00 PM Monday, November 4, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church in Silver Creek, with the Reverend Earl Clark officiating.  Interment will follow in the New Hebron Cemetery.  Mrs. Blair, age 92, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at her home in Loganville, Georgia.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening, November 3, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Saulters Moore Funeral Home. Visitation will resume Monday afternoon, November 4, from 2:00 PM until the hour of service at 3:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church.

Mrs. Blair will be carried to her final rest by her grandsons and great-grandson, including Matthew Blair, Joshua Blair, Daniel Blair, Ryan Myers, Will Brister, and Andrew Myers.

Shirley was born on January 18, 1932, in Silver Creek, Mississippi, to James Edgar and Eunice Sanders Ratcliff.  A devoted homemaker and talented musician, she had spent most of her life living in Silver Creek until she relocated to Georgia a few years ago to be closer to her family.  Shirley attended Silver Creek School until she and her husband, George, married and moved to Wesson, where she later graduated from Co-Lin High School.  During her school years, she played basketball and nurtured her love for music, an interest that would profoundly shape her life.

In her early professional life, Shirley contributed her talents to the Jackson Public Library System, May Chevrolet in Monticello, and the Silver Creek Appliance Company. Yet, it was her commitment to her family and her home that truly defined her.  Shirley was an excellent seamstress, known for her ability to create beautiful draperies, couch cushions, and intricate crocheted items.  She demonstrated remarkable skill with her hands, often transforming simple materials into cherished creations.

Shirley’s love for music began at an early age when she played the piano at church out of necessity and on the encouragement of her music teacher.  This humble start blossomed into a lifelong passion, and for over 30 years, she served as the organist at Calvary Baptist Church in Silver Creek, where she was a devoted member.  Her musical contributions enriched her community and brought joy to many.

Mrs. Blair took great pride in her love for flowers.  She delighted in joining other ladies from the church in creating beautiful altar arrangements with blooms from neighbors’ yards.  In her later years, she found solace in jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles, dedicating countless hours to these engaging activities.  Her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her, as she leaves behind a legacy of love, artistry, and dedication to family and faith.

Mrs. Blair is preceded in death by her husband, George E. Blair; parents, James Edgar and Eunice Sanders Ratcliff; her sister, Frankie Ratcliff Clark and her brothers, James Earl “Corky” Ratcliff, Mitchell Ratcliff and Haynes Ratcliff.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her daughter, Susan Blair Myers (Jeff) of Loganville, GA; sons, George Randall Blair of Denham Springs, LA, David Anthony Blair of Silver Creek; daughter-in-law, Faye Daughdrill Blair of Denham Springs, LA; sister, Camille Ratcliff Daniels (Paul) of Gallatin, TN and her sister-in-law, Eva Davis Ratcliff of Arm, MS. Mrs. Blair is also survived by her grandchildren George Matthew Blair (Debbie), Joshua Ferrell Blair (Lauren), Daniel James Blair (Carlye), Ryan Anthony Myers (Niki), Samantha Lynn Blair Brister (Will); a step-grandson, Jonathan DuBois and 12 great-grandchildren.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com