Pastor Edith McCann Blair, 75, of Benton, Tennessee, entered the presence of her Lord on Sunday, September 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and dear friends.

On December 19, 1950, a very cold but clear day in Cleveland, Tennessee, Pastor Edith was born in a backseat of a ’34 Ford. She was the daughter of the late Bishop John W. “The Preacher Man” McCann, beloved Founding Father of Mercy Tabernacle, and Lorene McCann. Raised in a heritage of faith, her life would become a continuation of that legacy as she answered the call upon her own life and faithfully served Jesus Christ and His people.

Pastor Edith Blair was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, JoAnna Ruth Blair; her grandchildren, Gabrielle Phillips and Michael Sanders; her parents, Bishop John W. and Lorene McCann; her brother, Joseph V. McCann; her sisters, Ressie Deal and Wilma Allen; her nephews, Nicolas Hembree and Justin Goodman; and several beloved aunts and uncles.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of 55 years, Kenneth Blair; her daughters, Rebecca Allen (Terry) Ledford, and Heather (GW) Sanders; the beloved niece she raised as her own, Christy (Stephen) Phillips; and her bonus children, Willie and Melissa Childers.

She also leaves her grandchildren, Stanley Allen, Jordan (Bailey) Allen, Gabriel Sanders, and Mikel Sanders; her great-grandchildren, Asher and Josiah Allen; her sisters, Joyce (Gene) Pack, Julia (Bobby) Burger, and Hazel (Scott) Hembree; along with several nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

Pastor Edith’s family extended far beyond those connected to her by blood. She also leaves behind the many students into whose lives she poured her time, wisdom, faith, and love. They, too, became part of the legacy of a life spent investing in others. Everyone that knew her loved her. Her warmth and love touched so many hearts, and she became known as “Momma E.”

More than titles or positions could ever express, Pastor Blair was a woman who loved the Lord and devoted her life to His work. Her ministry, testimony, and the spiritual heritage entrusted to her will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Mercy Tabernacle, 443 Clemmer Ferry Road, Benton, TN 37307. Interment will follow at Benton Memorial Gardens, with Gabriel Sanders, Stanley Allen, Jordan Allen, Red Blackwell, Joseph Allen, Willie Childers, and Stephen Phillips serving as pallbearers. Debbie Biggerstaff will serve as honorary pallbearer.

Her family will receive friends from 12:00 (noon) to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Mercy Tabernacle and from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, prior to the service at the church.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.higginsfunerals.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.