Caren R. Murphy Blair, age 79, of Jacksonville, FL passed away on Tuesday June 20, 2023 at Harbor
Chase Assisted Living Facility in Jacksonville, FL. She lived most of her life in Hamilton County with the
exception of the last eight years when she moved to Jacksonville, FL. Caren was born to late Carl and
Paralea Murphy on December 15, 1943 in Covington, GA. Caren graduated from the Georgia State
College for Women in Milledgeville, GA. It was there she met the love of her life, Alton Blair, who was
working in nearby Dublin, GA. Caren was asked to sing at her roommate's wedding where Alton was in
attendance and the two were introduced by a mutual friend. The two would go on to be married for 58
years and made their home in Hamilton County, FL. After obtaining her bachelor's degree, Caren went
on to obtain a master's degree from Valdosta State University and a specialist's degree from Florida
State University. Caren was a lifelong educator, working as both a teacher and in education
administration for 35 years. She taught primarily math and she also taught special needs education at
the former Greenwood school. Caren was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Jasper
and spent much of free time engaged in church activities. Caren loved to sing and sang in the choir and
also was the choir director at First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Alton Blair; her son and daughter-in-law, Stacy and Andrea
Blair (Jacksonville, FL), her son Greg Blair (Durham, NC); her brother and sister-in-law Emory and Joyce
Murphy (Tifton, GA), and her two grandsons, Zack and Nate Blair.
A viewing will be held at First United Methodist Church, Jasper FL, at 1 pm with funeral services to
follow at 2 pm. She will be laid to rest at New Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be
made to First United Methodist Church of Jasper, 405 Central Ave. Jasper, FL 32052.