Dr. Donna Blair, 78, of Jacksonville, Florida and formerly of Bluffton, passed away Saturday morning, Oct. 3, 2026 at the University of Florida Hospital of complications from surgery.
She was born Feb. 12, 1948 in Detroit to Robert and Margaret Blair and married John L. Stead Oct. 9, 1981 in Dearborn. He survives.
Donna came to Bluffton in 1988 with her husband who established the Caylor-Nickel Foundation. After graduating from the University of Michigan, she earned her physician’s credentials at the Wayne State University in 1986. She was an OB/GYN specialist with the Caylor-Nickel Clinic for 22 years until the couple’s retirement in 2010. She was known for her care and concern for her patients, especially those with special needs.
Dr. Blair was involved in attending their son David’s sporting events at Norwell, the Steads were members of the Scatter 8s square dance group and she was active in the local American Cancer Society.
“While retirement initially moved us back to Michigan and then to Florida, Bluffton always seemed like home. Donna will be missed, but the Lord allowed her to spend happy and fulfilling years in Bluffton and for that I will always be grateful,” John Stead shares.
In addition to her husband, survivors include a son, David Stead, and his wife, Kirsten Schmeling; two grandchildren, Violet and Dexter; and siblings Nancy Quinlan and Robert Blair.
Donna’s body has been donated to science. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. at Leon’s Family Restaurant in Dearborn, Michigan. Condolences may be shared with the family at 9601 Southbrook Dr., Apt. W316, Jacksonville, FL 32256, or via <jstead500@gmail.com>.