Jacquelyn Vial Blair

Jacquelyn Vial Blair aged 95, passed away peacefully at her home in Chesterfield County, Virginia, on October 30, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born to Preston and Gladys Vial on March 10, 1929. Jacquelyn also known as “Jackie” to her friends and family was known for being a feisty, tough as nails, little spitfire. Her vibrant spirit and dedication to the equestrian world became her life long legacy. A native of Richmond, Virginia Jackie graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and furthered her education at the Richmond Polytechnical Institute, now VCU. During her high school and college years Jackie became an accomplished dancer and artist but her passion in life was always riding horses. Her love for horses began at the age of 15, and her dedication to the equestrian sport shaped her life's path. After a riding accident in her late thirties, she transitioned to a career in advertising at Miller and Rhoads Department Store. In 1985, she inherited a horse farm from her late, estranged husband, which she owned and operated with her son, Neal Blair, until 2018. The farm, Rose Hill Stables in Mechanicsville, Virginia, became a well-known establishment in the Virginia equestrian community. Jackie was also a longtime member of the Capital Horse Show Association and the Virginia Horse Show Association. Her dedication to the equestrian community was recognized with her induction into the Virginia Horse Show Association Hall of Fame in 2004. Beyond her professional life, she also enjoyed swimming, diving, and designing jumping courses for horse shows. She could also cook a “mean” steak. Additionally Jackie was a lifelong member of Mechanicsville Baptist Church where her faith and community played a significant role in her life. She is survived by her son, Preston Neal Blair; daughter-in-law, Dawn Michelle Blair; granddaughter, Kayla Renee Blair; grandson, Preston Joseph Davis Blair; and great-grandsons, Grayson Davis Ratcliffe and James Alexander Blair. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, VA 23113. The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Crater Community Hospice for their compassionate and dedicated care during Jackie’s final days. Their support and guidance was invaluable and so appreciated during this difficult time. Jackie’s legacy as an avid horsewoman along with her vibrant spirit and zest for life will be remembered by all who knew her. Memorial donations may be made to Mechanicsville Baptist Church or to Crater Community Hospice in her memory.