Martha (Fitch) Blair

Mrs. Martha F. Blair (84) entered her eternal home on Friday, June 20, 2025.

Martha was the first-born child of Chester and Mae (Coburn) Fitch, arriving on July 31, 1940. She had an amazing Appalachian childhood growing up on Rock Fork in Knott County, which she loved to share stories about with anyone who would listen. Martha, known as Faye to her parents, siblings and cousins, welcomed seven brothers and sisters into her family.

As a young teenager, Martha attended high school at Hindman Settlement School. She continued her education in nursing at Berea College, where she met the love of her life, Rev. James P. Blair at a folk dance. They were united in marriage on December 31, 1957. Martha and Jim were the proud parents of Kenneth Darrel and Sheila Kaye.

During her nursing career, Martha accomplished many things. She retired from the Cumberland Valley District Health Department as the Director of the Harlan location. One accomplishment that she did not speak of often, but her family is extremely proud of, is that she and a co-worker wrote and received the first WIC Grant in the nation. Her dear friend, Betty Hopkins, distributed the first voucher at the Bell County Health Department. This accomplishment is indicative of how she lived her life; always serving others and helping to make the world a better place.

Martha, affectionately known as “Granny Marty” by her family, impacted many people in Harlan County through her role as a pastor’s wife. She and Jim served at Sunny Acres First Church of God for over 40 years before Jim retired as pastor. They both continued to be active members of the church until their health would no longer allow them. Many people, besides her family, got a stern “Granny Marty talk” that helped guide them through difficult times in their lives. She was truly one of a kind!

Retirement did not slow Martha down in her service to others. Jim and Martha were foster parents for years, welcoming countless children into their home and their hearts. They also served as volunteer folk dancing instructors in Harlan County Schools when their grandchildren were students. This role gave them many adopted grandchildren, as everyone in the classes called them “Pa Jim and Granny Marty.”

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Mae (Coburn) Fitch. Her husband, Rev. James P. Blair. Her beloved son, Ken Blair. Brothers, Verdin Fitch and Curtis Fitch. Sister, Ardella Green. Brothers-in-law, Alp Blair and John L. Blair. Sisters-in-law, Janice Ball Fields and Elizabeth Wills. Former son-in-law, Steve Sergent.

Left to mourn Martha’s passing are her daughter, Sheila Kaye (Dave) Marantette. Three granddaughters: Becky Sergent, Hannah (Eric) Greene, and Rachel (Henry) Tully. Two great-grandchildren: Leah Wiseman and Elliot Greene. Sister, Bonnie (Raymond) Grigsby. Brothers Tom (Debbie) Fitch, Mikel (Barbara) Fitch, and Otis R. (Barbara) Fitch. A bonus son, Stephen Moore. A special friend, who is like family, Marsha Sergent. Several nieces, nephews, relatives & friends also survive.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 23, beginning at 1:00 pm at Sunny Acres First Church of God. Rev. Astor L. Simpson and Rev. Stanley Blevins will preside over the service,beginning at 3:00 pm. Martha will be laid to rest at the Peaceful Acres Cemetery following the service. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers:

The family is grateful to all who visited Granny Marty and helped with her care. Special thank you to Hospice of the Bluegrass, Shannon Middleton, Cecil & Louann Philpot, and Emily Bailey.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha (Fitch) Blair, please visit our floral store.