Tributes

Essie Lee Robena Cleopatra Mizelle Blair, the eldest sibling of Walter Benjamin and Mary Slade Mizelle of Williamston, NC was born on June 9, 1916; the other siblings were Leroy David Mizelle, James Daniel Mizelle, Mary E. Mizelle, and an adopted sister, Rosanna Basnight. All are now deceased and the circle is complete. Mrs. Blair graduated from the Williamston Colored School in 1933. She was the Salutatorian of her graduating class. After graduating from public school, she was influenced and financially supported by her beloved "Aunt Sabra" to attend Shaw University in Raleigh, NC. Upon graduating from Shaw University in 1937, she taught school in the small communities around Williamston until she could get a position at the school. Finally she was awarded a position at Williamston Colored School and taught there for a few years. Eventually, the renowned Mrs. Alma Duar Gaither stated to her that the school needed a good librarian and asked her to pursue a degree in Library Science. Mrs. Blair attended the School of Library Science at North Carolina College at Durham, graduated and then became the librarian of Williamston Colored School which eventually became E.J. Hayes School--she was the only librarian of the school for over 30 years. She was able to influence, in a positive way the lives of many students who matriculated through the school. In 1970, E.J. Hayes School closed due to Integration. Mrs. Blair then proceeded to work as a Librarian at Elizabeth City State University for ten additional years. After her retirement. she continued lifelong habits of traveling and reading and was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She delighted in hearing from former students and how their lives were progressing. Mrs. Blair was wed to Oscar F. Blair and they were the proud parents of one son, Wayne K. Blair. She leaves to mourn her passing her son, Wayne and his wife Joan; two granddaughters, Tonya Blair, Asia Dawn Blair; one grandson, Derrick Blair preceded her in death ; stepdaughter, Janice Blair White of Ashland, MO and a special nephew, Richard M. Mizelle, Sr.; numerous relatives that she thought the world of and an extraordinary number of her students who "loved her so". Her legacy will continue as long as relatives remember her fondly and former students continue to speak in glowing terms of her impact on their lives.

Tributes

Ms Essie Mizelle Blair

June 9, 1916 - December 24, 2013