Ruby Mae Blair

Ruby Mae Blair, beloved daughter of the late Sallie "Nellie" Blair, was born on December 25, 1957 and departed this life on Friday, February 28, 2025, in Columbia, South Carolina. Raised in Parksville and Plum Branch, South Carolina, by her devoted grandmother, the late Hannah Blair, Ruby’s formative years were marked by love, resilience, and community. Her family later moved to McCormick, South Carolina, where she continued to grow in faith and spirit, becoming a dedicated member of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church from a young age.

To know Ruby was to know a woman who believed deeply in the transformative power of education. She was a passionate advocate for learning and the boundless opportunities it provides. Ruby’s academic journey commenced with her graduation from McCormick High School in 1976, where she excelled as a three-scholar-athlete, demonstrating exceptional skill in varsity basketball, shot put, and discus throwing. With an unwavering commitment to higher education, she became a first-generation college student at Benedict College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Education in 1982. Her pursuit of knowledge did not stop there. Ruby went on to earn her Master of Education in Reading Literacy from the University of South Carolina in 1987, followed by advanced studies at institutions including Clemson University, College of Charleston, New York University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, she earned thirty additional graduate hours and a South Carolina professional teaching certification in secondary English.

Ruby’s lifelong devotion to education was exemplified through her remarkable career at her alma mater, Benedict College. For over four decades, she poured her heart into her role as an Instructor of English and a Reading Center Specialist. Her influence extended beyond the classroom as she served in numerous vital capacities, including as a member of the Curriculum Committee, Lead Faculty for Freshman Composition, and Advisor for Sigma Tau Delta English International Honor Society, among others. She was also a cherished advisor for English majors, a member of the Honors Program Advisory Council, a Chapter Advisor for Alpha Chi and Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Societies, and a Departmental Advisor for the Ruby W. Watts Writing Competition.

Ruby’s commitment to excellence in education did not go unnoticed. She received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the prestigious 2020 Council of Independent Colleges Excellence in Teaching Award, recognition as an Alpha Chi National Honor Society Scholar, Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society Scholar, and Honorary Faculty Scholar of Sigma Tau Delta International Honor Society. She was also inducted into the Gamma Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® in 1992, further solidifying her legacy of leadership and service.

A gifted writer and editor, Ruby authored a children’s book titled Auntie, Did God Make Me? and edited significant works including Succeeding Against the Odds: The Life and Times of Reverend Isaiah Odom and Rhythmic African Spirituality in Sports, Dance, Music, and Arts. Her expertise also extended to editing numerous master’s theses and dissertations, leaving a lasting impact on the academic community.

Ruby's quiet strength and unwavering dedication to her students were hallmarks of her teaching style. She was beloved by students, who frequently sought her out for her exceptional guidance, not just academically, but in shaping their futures. Her influence was best captured by a former student who wrote: “I recognize [her] selfless support and contributions. Even with a small office that can hardly accommodate two students at a time, there’s always a line of students outside her office. From counseling students not to give up on their studies, to guiding them through graduate school applications and career path shaping, she stays on-campus beyond work hours to continuously mold students. She is a gem. She is the #BestofBC.” Ruby’s dedication to her students and her unwavering belief in their potential will remain a treasured part of her enduring legacy.

In addition to her mother, Ruby was preceded in death by her sister, Bealuh Blair, and brother, Garnett Blair. She was also preceded in death by her cherished aunts and uncles, whose love and guidance helped shape her life: Judy Morton, Mary Jennings, John Henry "Plukie" Blair, and Charles "Chief" Wiggleton.

Ruby had an unconditional love for her family. She leaves behind her loving siblings, Sarah “Lacy” Blair, Willie A. Blair, Tommie Blair, James Edward Blair, Josephine Blair, and Mary Ann (Michael Gidron) Blair. She also leaves her treasured aunts, Helen Woodridge of Greenwood, SC; Genevia Mursier and Betty “Doll” Gardner, both of McCormick, SC; Bernice Wiggleton of Plum Branch, SC; and Rebecca Blair of Columbia, SC. Her uncles, James Blair (Lucile) of Greenwood, SC, Donald Morton of McCormick, SC, and Charles “Bud” Jennings of Plum Branch, SC, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and students, will forever cherish her memory and the profound impact she made on their lives.

Ruby was especially blessed with three friends, who were like remarkable sisters, who stood by her side until the very end: Joy Robinson, Emmie J. Davis, and Dr. Gwenda Richburg Greene. Their unwavering support and love were a testament to the deep bonds they shared with Ruby.

Ruby Mae Blair's legacy endures in the countless lives she touched through her unwavering dedication to education, her infectious passion for sports, her undying love for western movies, her insatiable love of reading, and her nurturing spirit. She was a living testament to the power of deep, unconditional love, radiating warmth and compassion to all who crossed her path. Her memory will continue to inspire and uplift all who were fortunate enough to know her, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds.

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