Kimberly Hannigan Blair

Kimberly Hannigan Blair, 51, of Durham, NC passed away after a year-long battle with ALS on May 11, 2021. Kim was born on September 10, 1969 in Washington, DC and spent her childhood in Olney, MD. She graduated from Sherwood High School in 1987 and received her BS from Towson University in 1993. She went on to earn an MBA from the University of North Florida in 2013 and was an alumna of Leadership North Carolina, Class XXII in 2016. Kim spent many years working at Blue Cross Blue Shield, including her most recent position as the Director of Community Relations. After her career with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kim transitioned to an amazing career in real estate. She loved helping her clients as a realtor with Hunter Rowe.

In 2011, Kim married Brett Blair in Asheville, NC. Along with Brett, Kim found joy in helping the community. She served as a board member for SEEDS NC, volunteered at the Durham Rescue Mission, and loved welcoming people at Newhope Church. Kim enjoyed time with family and friends, traveling, and dining out. She and Brett loved each other dearly and cherished their life together. Time was not wasted and the two were often seen around town visiting with friends or jogging on local trails training for half-marathons. Kim excelled at welcoming people and truly listening to them. She had an infectious laugh and smile that radiated and brightened every room.

Kim was preceded in death by her former husband Daniel Chervenak. She is survived by her husband Brett Blair, parents Lawrence and Elsie (Emmert) Hannigan of Aiken, SC; sisters Sharon (James) Degnan of Apex, NC and Marsha (Jeffrey) Torbett of Buford, GA; stepchildren Ellen (Mike) Green, Dana (Lee) Speed and Patrick Blair; Mother-in-Law Judy Weyrauch: Father-in-Law Tom (Pam) Blair; nieces and nephews Emily and Tommy Degnan, granddaughter Emerson Speed, as well as loads of cousins spread throughout the country.

We are comforted in knowing that Kim is now at home with our Lord and Savior. A celebration of Kim’s life will be held at Newhope Church in Durham, NC on May 15, 2021 at 2:00PM, followed by a reception. The service is intended to be casual and colorful, as that is the way Kim would like it.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial donations be made to Newhope Church at 7619 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC 27713.

Brett and the family wish to thank the countless friends who have provided love and prayers, in addition to meals, friendship, decorating, shopping, cleaning, packing/unpacking, laundry services, music, cards, flowers, and donations to the ALS Association, as well as Kim’s care during this illness.
We would also like to thank Duke Hospice for the ongoing support, and a special thank you to Tony Johnson for being a loving caregiver and friend.

In the words of Pastor Benji Kelley, “Kim has taught us not only how to live but how to die.”

In her own words, Kim tells us all, “Don’t spoil today with fear of tomorrow.”

Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.”