Peggy Joyce Blair

Peggy Joyce Blair, 76, of Jonesboro, died Wednesday, April 20, 2011, at St. Bernards Medical Center.

Born in Lake City on August 17, 1934, Peggy was a 1952 graduate of Bay High School. She moved to Jonesboro in 1952 and earned a BSE degree and a Master of Library Science degree from Arkansas State University. Peggy was a retired Medical Librarian for the University of Arkansas Medical School located at St. Bernards Medical Center.

Peggy was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Jonesboro and was an avid reader. She was devoted to the humane care of animals and rescued many cats, dogs and other animals throughout her lifetime. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Blair, a son, Ricky Smith, by her parents, William and Alvie Cheshier Bryant, 2 brothers, Jimmy and Billy Bryant, and one sister, Doris Bryant.

Mrs. Blair is survived by her daughter, Joyce Seabaugh (Walt) of Bono, and a son, Ron Smith (Traci) of Jonesboro, Step children include Bob Blair of Little Rock, Roger Blair, Susie Erwin of Corning, and Richard Blair and David Blair, both of Jonesboro. Peggy is also survived by 2 brothers: Tommy Bryant (Alice) of Jonesboro and Donnie Bryant (Kaye) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; She leaves behind 5 grandchildren: Andrea Harder of Lake City, Shane Davis, Alex Smith and Allison Smith, all of Jonesboro, and Jacob Smith of Conway. Great grandchildren include Casandra, Desirea and Jesica all of Lake City and Cayson of Trumann.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 10:00 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Rev. Guy Delaney officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Log Cemetery.

Active pallbearers include grandsons Shane Davis and Jacob Smith, and nephews Curtis Bryant, William Bryant, Jimmy Bryant and Allen Bryant.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Donald Guinn and Melba Thomas of Clopton Clinic, and dear friend Melba Walker of Jonesboro for the dedicated and compassionate care given to Peggy.

Visitation will be held Friday evening, 5-7, at Emerson Funeral Home.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to PAWS, 1103 E. Kingshighway, Paragould 72450, or the American Cancer Society, Craighead Unit, 1205 S. Madison, Jonesboro 72401.