Evelyn Stepp Blanton, 72, passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Kings Mountain Hospice House.  A native of Cleveland County she was the daughter of the late Emmett Minyard and Stella Brooks Stepp.  Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall Timothy Blanton; sisters, Della Stepp Harris and Betty Stepp Wall; and brother, Max Edward Stepp. Mrs. Blanton retired from specialty lighting after 20 years of service.  She was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church where she was a member of the Paul Sorrels Sunday School class.

Mrs. Blanton is survived by her brother, James Stepp and wife Jean of Shelby; sister, Beatrice Rayfield and husband Clyde of McAdenville, NC; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:30pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Beaver Dam Baptist Church.  The Rev. Jimmy Black will be officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:30pm prior to the service at the church.

The family requests memorials be sent to Beaver Dam Baptist Church, 123 Beaver Dam Church Road, Shelby, NC, 28152 or American Diabetes Association, 222 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202.

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

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com