Neva Ruth Blair

Neva Ruth Blair, faithful servant of Christ, passed away peacefully in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on August 19, 2026, at the age of 89. She was born December 30, 1936, in Winters, Texas, to Harold Boone and Geneva Ann Carraway.

Neva’s father passed away just six weeks after her birth. During the difficult years of the Great Depression, Neva and her two youngest brothers went to the Baptist Children’s Home in Waxahachie, Texas. There she received love, structure, and a Christian foundation that would shape the course of her life. As a teenager, Neva moved to Jackson County, Oklahoma, where she attended the now-closed Victory High School.

Neva continued her education at Central State College, now the University of Central Oklahoma, where she earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English. She went on to teach English at Putnam City High School for more than 20 years. Her favorite students to teach were seniors, and generations of students benefited from her knowledge, encouragement, and genuine care for them.

Faith was not simply a part of Neva’s life; it was the foundation of it. At Village Baptist Church, she and her first husband, James Johnson, volunteered teaching children. After James’ death on December 23, 1984, Neva continued that ministry and became the minister to preschoolers and children at the church.

In 1998, Neva moved to Amarillo to be closer to her grandson, James Powell. There, she was blessed to reconnect with a former Victory High School schoolmate, Keith Blair. Their friendship blossomed into love, and they were married December 10, 1999. Together they shared nearly 25 years of love, laughter, travel, adventure, and faith before Keith passed away on November 9, 2024.

Neva was deeply thankful for her church family at First Baptist Church Amarillo. She served in numerous ministries, but her favorite was teaching the Adult 8 Class for senior adults. She loved the people in her class deeply. She called them each week, met them for lunch, visited them in their homes, and, when needed, visited them in the hospital. She also joyfully served through Vacation Bible School, Women’s Job Corps, and many other ministries.

Neva loved missions and traveled both for pleasure and to serve others. She participated in mission trips to Cuba, Tanzania, Russia, Slovakia, and Brazil. Her final three mission trips were made alongside her grandson, James, whom she had relentlessly discipled toward knowing Christ from the time he was a young child and continued to mentor and teach throughout his young adult years.

Neva had a remarkable gift for connecting with people. Her favorite way to do so was through writing. She loved exchanging letters and emails and preferred correspondence as a way of reaching into the lives of others. She thoughtfully considered what people shared with her and took the time to respond. She kept letters she received for years and often found herself running out of stationery and cards because there were simply so many people she wanted to write to.

Neva and Keith loved to travel and spend time with their family. They especially enjoyed watching sports together, particularly anything involving the University of Oklahoma and the Texas Rangers. Neva loved staying active and enjoyed walking, playing basketball, bowling, and much more. Above all, she sought to encourage people and connect with anyone she could.

Neva was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Boone and Geneva Ann Carraway; her first husband, James Johnson; her second husband, Keith Blair; her daughter, Carol Johnson Powell, who passed away in April 1996; and her five siblings, Dorothy, Harold, Jay, W.B., and Robert.

She is survived by her grandson, James Powell; her granddaughter-in-law, Bradyn Powell; her great-grandchildren, Owen Powell and Ethan Powell; as well as Keith’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She also leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews and cherished friends and family from her years in Oklahoma City and Amarillo.

One of Neva’s favorite passages of Scripture was John 14, a fitting reflection of the faith that guided her life and compelled her to guide others. She lived with the assurance of Christ’s promises and spent her life pointing others toward Him through teaching, service, encouragement, and love.

A service celebrating Neva’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Chapel of First Baptist Church Amarillo with Dr. Howard K. Batson officiating.

Neva leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves a legacy of faith and love to those who knew her and cherished her as she cherished them. Her life was a testament to the power of faithful connection—and to a woman who never seemed to run out of people she wanted to love.