Betty was born on Sept. 8, 1930, in Wilkes County, NC, and was the daughter of the late Paul and Mabel Newman. She was a Shelby resident from 1950 until her death. She studied music and Christian education at Wingate College and served Dover Baptist Church as secretary, treasurer, pianist, and organist for more than 50 years. She shared her talent and love for music by teaching piano in Shelby for more than six decades.

            Members of her church family have called her a true disciple. She sang in the adult choir, taught children and youth, led WMU, taught Sunday School, visited shut-ins and freely shared her faith with all who knew her.

            She loved sports, music, and spending time with her family. They will most remember her welcoming spirit, warm smile and abiding faith.

            The family will receive friends at Cecil Burton Funeral Home on Sunday, Aug. 21 from 4-6 pm and otherwise at the home of Harrison and Cameron Blanton, 1909 Three Lakes Road, Shelby NC. A celebration of life service will be held at Dover Baptist Church on Monday, Aug. 22, at 11 am. The Rev. Dr. Bulo Price will be officiating.  Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park.  The family requests that memorial gifts be sent to the newly-established Betty Newman Blanton WMU Mission Fund. Checks may be made payable to Dover Baptist Church and sent to the church at 1501 Polkville Road, Shelby, NC 28150. Memorial gifts to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby NC, will also be appreciated.  

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Blanton.

An online Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com