Hope was born 22 October 1922. She first married Bud Barnes (probably Lawrence Barnes per Brant's recollection); they had three daughters: Judy (eldest), Janice (b. ~1949, Brant's mother), and Jill (b. 26 Dec 1950). After Bud's death she remarried Robert Deister of Decatur (still living at age 98 in 2026). Hope went by Hope Deister in her later years. Died 6 May 1991 in Decatur Macon County IL, age 68. Buried Graceland Cemetery, Decatur. Born Georgia Hope Blair (per Brant Hindman 2026-06-05). Brant Hindman's maternal grandmother. Hope was an English teacher in Decatur Illinois per Brant Hindman 2026-06-05 — a profession she shared with her youngest daughter Jill (Cerro Gordo school district 1973-76). Her obituary appeared in the Decatur Herald & Review on 8 May 1991 page A6 indexed as "Deister, Georgia Hope (née Blair)" — the index confirms her maiden surname Blair and her married name at death Deister. Born in Clay County Illinois (per genealogical sources; some give Louisville as the specific town) to Garnet Othal Blair and Margaret Angeline Zink — both later buried Iola Cemetery Clay County. She moved to Decatur Macon County during adulthood.
Occupations
- English teacher (Decatur Macon County IL school district)