Obituary of Janice Lee Blair

Janice Lee Blair

January 5, 1953 - November 22, 2022

 

Janice Lee Blair, at the young age of 69 years, 10 months, and 16 days old, lost her life to a stroke on November 22, 2022. Janice, her husband, Charlie, and their many furry children resided in Camden, South Carolina.

 

Janice was born on January 5, 1953, in Springfield, Massachusetts. She was the third of five daughters of the late Robert and Doris Flanders. Growing up with sisters was fun - ask sisters! Jan was the middle sister: crazy, fun, fearless, brave, emotional, strong, and moody: but you couldn’t help and love her. And she was loved by many.

 

Janice married (Kit) at a young age resulting in two children: a son, Alex, and a daughter, Heather. Alex is a talented musical teacher. Heather is a successful Marketing and Design professional. The marriage ended years later.

 

Janice then met and married a musician and artist: Michael. This marriage would also end years later. But Janice was a survivor. There was nothing the world could throw at her she couldn’t conquer: and always with laughter!

 

Surprisingly, Janice found the love of her life on a blind date in 1985 - a blind date she didn’t want to attend. But a friend set it up. She reluctantly went, and that’s when Janice met the man she’d spend the rest of her days with, Charlie Blair. And they did have the adventure of a lifetime!

 

Janice cherished many things: her children, family, and animals. That order of importance changed daily, depending on her mood - you know she’s laughing, shaking her head, yes!

 

But Janice was more than her compassion for animals.

 

When Janice’s kids were very young, she taught them to stand up for themselves. She showed them they had a voice, to trust their instinct, and always speak up regardless of fear. Janice taught them that “can’t,” “never,” and “the odds aren’t in favor of …” do not exist in our family language. Janice never gave up and taught them the same.

 

Over the last ten years, Heather and mom had the relationship they'd always dreamed of: they lived states away from each other! Can't you hear mom laughing? The relationship was filled with honesty, openness, transparency, and, most of all, unconditional love: and, of course … as always …. laughter. They even mastered the ability to agree to disagree.

 

Janice was one of five sisters (youngest to eldest): Kim, [Donna], [Janice], Gail, and Linda. Janice loved all her sisters very profoundly, even when they argued … which was quite often, as sisters do! Janice was very stubborn growing up and gave her sisters quite the adventures. She’s been described as social, independent, intelligent, spunky, bubbly, and never to be underestimated.

 

Janice lived a vibrant life, loved to make people laugh, would help any animal in need, could put chocolate on anything, loved strawberry ice cream but disliked strawberries, and used to drag race an old late ’60s Mustang in her 20s ….. and so much more ….. To write about Janice’s life would take up a series of books.

 

Janice’s sayings she made sure her children always remembered.

• Stand up for what you believe in

• Never, ever quit

• It’s time to put your big girl pants on

• You can do anything because you are my child

• I’m never wrong; ask me

• Suck it up, buttercup

 

And Janice’s personal favorite:

• When in doubt: do nothing

 

Janice is preceded in death by her loving parents, Robert and Doris Flanders; her sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Joe Raymond; and her grandson, Devan Randall.

 

Janice is survived by her husband of over 37 years, Charlie Blair; daughter, Heather Randall; son, Alex Randall; grandson, Colby Randall; daughter-in-law, Amy Hogan; stepdaughter, Carrie Blair; stepsons, Shawn Blair and Bruce Blair. Janice is also survived by her sisters: Linda and Wayne Buzzell, Gail and Raymond Konopka, Kim and Scott Reynolds, plus many nephews and a niece - and dozens of furry friends.

 

Janice weathered many storms in life. She remained strong, smiling, and laughing: both infective traits. She brought light into every room she entered with just a smile. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who had the privilege to cross her path.

 

Services will be held privately.