Betty Lew McSwain Blanton, 93, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City.

Born in Cleveland County on February 14, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Audley Cluff McSwain and Eunice Hulda Goode McSwain.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Ben C. Blanton; daughter, Beth B. Crawford; and siblings: Yates McSwain, Lindsay McSwain, Ann Surratt, Vernie Tesseneer, Howard McSwain, Madge Harris, Donald McSwain, and Carolyn Powell.

Betty was an avid gardener who took great pride in the fruits of her labor and cherished time spent outdoors.

She is survived by her children: Sheldia Payne (Gary), Jenny Ward (Thomas Earl), Carol Lattimore, and Connie Blanton; son-in-law, Tommy Crawford; her brother, Bob McSwain; nine grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren--with the twentieth expected in October 2025--and her beloved fur baby and granddog, Ada.

A time of repose will be held from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home for friends and family to pay their respects.

A graveside service will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Cleveland Memorial Park, with Gary Payne offering words of comfort.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Betty's memory to Carolina Foothills Hospice of Forest City: 372 Hudlow Rd, Forest City, NC 28043. HPCfoundation.org

Online condolences may be shared at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.