Shirley Ann Blanton, 79 of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on January 30, 2018 at Caromont Health in Gastonia. Born in Cleveland County, she was Daughter of the late Walter P. and Margaret (Carpenter) Whitaker. She, was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd N. Blanton, her son Ricky Leach; sister: Peggy Brooks; brothers; Bobby Whitaker and Billy Whitaker. Shirley was retired from the spinning department at Spectrum Dyed Yarns. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was an avid collector of many things.

SURVIVORS: 2 Daughters: Ann Leach Sanders and husband David, Kings Mtn, NC;

Audrey Leach, Gastonia, NC; 2 sons: Tim Leach and wife Lisa H. Leach, Durham, NC; Tommy Leach, Kings Mtn, NC;

3 brothers: Jacky Whitaker and wife Annette, Smyrna, SC; Danny Whitaker and wife Darlene, Bessemer City, NC; Roy Whitaker and wife Louise; Kings Mtn, NC;

1 sister: Pearl Whitaker Sellers, Kings Mtn, NC

Grandsons: Jonathan Sanders and wife Chrystal , Kings Mtn, NC; Tyler Leach and wife Dana, Raleigh, NC; Ryan Leach and wife Sarah, Raleigh, NC; Austin Leach, Kings Mtn, NC; Granddaughter: Holly Leach, Gastonia, NC; 3 Great-Grandchildren: Benjamin Sanders, Isaac Leach and Harper Leach.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, February 3, 2018 12:00 Noon, Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel, Rev. Eddie Gray officiating.

VISITATION: One hour prior to the service at the funeral home

INTERNMENT: Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC

MEMORIALS: Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM

ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA