Elizabeth Ann Bair

Elizabeth Ann Lott Bair died peacefully at King’s Bridge Retirement Community on April 10, 2023, surrounded by family and caregivers. She was 94.

Liz was born on October 8, 1928, in Gettysburg, PA, the only child of the late Belva Nora Deardorff and Walter Jamison Lott. She grew up in Gettysburg, attended Gettysburg College, graduated in 1950 and soon after married her one true love, John Criley Bair, also a Gettysburg graduate. Shortly after their wedding, Liz and John moved south, first to Raleigh, NC, then to Atlanta, GA, her home of 72 years.

Liz learned from an early age the historical significance of her surroundings. Her patriotism and values were further shaped by the times through which she lived, specifically the Great Depression and World War II. A member of the Greatest Generation, Liz was guided by traditional American values. She and John together achieved the American dream through hard work, perseverance, and a deep faith in God.

Liz and John purchased their first home with help from the GI Bill. The Bair family grew quickly, and by 1957 they had four children. Liz loved raising her children. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, decorating and being the manager of the household. She and John immediately began making friends in their neighborhood and at church, as well as connecting with new transplants, networking the old fashioned way. In 1959, Liz and John outgrew their starter house and moved to their forever home, the “school house on the hill.”

In 1961, Liz and John started Bair Pool Service, a swimming pool maintenance and repair business. In 1966, they added a retail operation to the business on Roswell Road in Buckhead and welcomed the birth of their fifth child. A year later, they launched a second business, Bair’s Ski Shop, operating from the same location. Riding the crest of the ski wave for over 20 years, they enjoyed tremendous success, retiring in 1986 to begin the next chapter of their lives.

Liz was a life-long learner with an adventurous spirit. She and John travelled the world for 12 years before he became ill. She faithfully and lovingly cared for him with the help of Ralph Ector until John’s death in 2003. For the remainder of her life, Liz continued to travel with friends and family, taking more than 17 major trips around the globe, each of which she documented in detailed scrapbooks and elaborate celebrations in her home with themed meals and décor. Some of her favorite destinations were Thailand, Africa, and India. Her last overseas destination was Germany in 2017 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation.

One of Liz’s greatest attributes was maintaining and nurturing her friendships and family relationships. She excelled in the art of letter writing and correspondence and was a gracious and hospitable hostess, always welcoming people into her home and into her life. She was optimistic, endearing, and beloved. She never judged others, living faithfully by the Golden Rule.

Liz was an active member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer for over 70 years, serving in a variety of capacities: teaching Sunday School, serving on the Congregation Council, the Wedding Guild, the Altar Guild, as well as in the Food Ministry. She was also a great supporter of its Friends of Music ministry. Liz’s deep faith formed the bedrock upon which her life was built.

Liz is survived by her five children and their spouses: Andrew L. Bair (Stanley), Wallace C. Bair, Charles E. Bair (Peggy), Elizabeth T. Currie (Robert), and John C. Bair, Jr. She was “Mama Dear” to her six adored grandchildren: Charlotte E. Bair, Jamison T. Bair, Andrew T. Currie, E. Claire Currie, Bridget E. Bair, and Keira C. Bair. Liz is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Life service will take place May 13, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 731 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA. Guests will be received following the service in the Sims’ Atrium. The family wishes to express profound gratitude and thanks to Claudia Patton, Capstone Hospice, King’s Bridge Retirement Community and Staff, as well as additional caregivers Claudine Sinclair, Abigail Pingue, Olabisi Amosun, and Elizabeth Kepler.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Liz’s memory to Capstone Hospice (5550 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 150; Peachtree Corners, GA 30092), Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (731 Peachtree Street, NE; Atlanta, GA 30308), or the charity of your choosing.