Cleodis Blair

Mrs. Cleodis Blair, affectionately known as “Doll” to her close family, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the University of Michigan Sparrow Health System in Lansing, Michigan. She was 84 years old.

Cleodis was born on March 13, 1941, in Panola, Alabama, to the late Jimmie Lee Sr. and Willie Lee Turner. As a young child, she moved with her family to Saginaw, Michigan, where she attended school and built a life rooted in faith, family, and community service.

A devoted member of St. Luke Church of God in Christ, Cleodis was active in her congregation for many years until her health no longer permitted her to attend. She was employed for many years at Kroger in Saginaw and later transferred to the Essexville, Michigan, location, where she continued working until her retirement.

Cleodis had a passion for bowling and traveled extensively, participating in league competitions until she became disabled. She also found great joy in supporting her youngest grandson, DaVonte, as a proud “dance grandma,” traveling with him to various competitions across the country. Known for her warm and generous spirit, Cleodis operated a beloved candy store from her garage and later expanded her entrepreneurial endeavors by launching “Cleo’s Food and Snack,” a mobile food business that became a cherished part of the community.

Cleodis cherished and held family close to her heart. She made it a priority to be present for major milestones, including traveling to Germany to be there for the birth of her only granddaughter, Jiovana. In 2022, she and her husband relocated to Lansing, Michigan, to be closer to their children.

Cleodis leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Johnnie L. Blair Sr. of East Lansing, MI; three loving children: Johnnie L. (Maxine) Blair Jr., Joanne (Gerald Sr) Blair Sims, and Linda (Donnie Sr) Blair Cotton; six grandchildren: Maurice V. Blair, Gerald I. (Stephanie) Sims Jr., Donnie (Ashley) Cotton Jr, Jiovana Sims, Julius Blair, and DaVonte Cotton; thirteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary McGowan and Odessa Steward; two brothers, Jimmie Lee Turner Jr. and Larry Turner; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Special friends include Gloria Napier of Saginaw, MI, and Sallie Hayes of Lansing, MI; goddaughter Chantel Yevette Pittman of Dallas, TX and godson Dion Webb of Saginaw, MI; special great-granddaughter and caregiver Alyssa Hayes-Blair; special cousin Laura Lee Quarles; and special brother-in-law Ollie Blair Sr.

Cleodis was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmie Lee Sr. and Willie Lee Turner; her brothers, Nathaniel Turner, Theodis Turner, and Donald Ray Turner; and her brother-in-law, Gus McGowan.

Cleodis Blair’s legacy of love, service, and joy will have an everlasting footprint on the hearts of the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.