Louise Blair

Louise Evelyn Blair passed away peacefully on November 22, 2015. She was born on September 23, 1924 in Piggot, Arkansas to Reverend Herb and Lillian Roseman. They lived in several states before settling in Little Rock, where Louise attended Pulaski Heights Junior High and Little Rock Central High School. After attending Draughon School of Business, she married her high school sweetheart, Neal Blair and relocated to Chicago, Illinois where Neal was stationed in the US Navy. Louise and Neal eventually made their home in Little Rock where they raised their two children, Susan and Steve.

In Chicago, Louise worked at the University of Chicago for a group of scientists on a project called the Metallurgical Laboratory. Years later she discovered they were working on the highly confidential Manhattan Project. Louise worked for the State of Arkansas for nearly 30 years, retiring from the Arkansas Crime Information Center.

During their 66 years of marriage, Louise and Neal enjoyed their family, weekends at Lake Ouachita water skiing, square dancing, music, books, gardening, crossword puzzles, and their many friends. They developed lifetime friendships through their 50 years of worship and service at Immanuel Baptist Church.

Louise moved to Parkway Village in Little Rock after Neal’s death. There she enjoyed the company of many of her Sunday School friends and developed new friendships, all of which she cherished.

Louise spent her long life knowing, following and trusting God’s words. Her strong faith and character, generosity, compassion and humble nature were evident to all who knew her. She saw the best in every person and in every situation. She leaves a legacy of faith, unconditional love and quiet endurance that will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Bobby Roseman, sister Jane Talley, and husband Neal Blair. She is survived by her daughter Susan Hickman (Jim) and son Steve (Susan); grandchildren Tracy Davenport (Brad), Michael Roberts (Courtney), Sarah McKelvain (Nick), Andrew Blair (Amber) and Jackson Blair; great-grandchildren Kinley, Ava and Miles Davenport, Ashby, Hayes and Blair Kate McKelvain, and Hayden and Olivia Blair; and brother-in-law Bill Blair (Sue).