Mary Kathleen "Kitty" Blanton, a beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 94. Born on November 7, 1930, in Nassau County, Florida, she was the daughter of the late Ernest Grooms Murray and Mary Sikes Murray.

Kitty completed her education at Hilliard High School, where she met the love of her life, Floyd Lamar Blanton. The couple tied the knot on August 1, 1949, embarking on a lifelong journey filled with love and family. In 1969, they relocated to Carrollton, Georgia, when Lamar accepted a teaching position at the University of West Georgia. Together, they raised three children, and Kitty dedicated herself as a devoted homemaker. Her home was known as a gathering place, always filled with warmth, laughter, and an abundance of delicious food. Affectionately referred to as "Miss Kitty" or "Nana," she took great joy in nurturing children in her home during the day, creating a safe and loving environment for them.

A remarkable cook, Kitty's culinary skills were legendary; her chicken and dumplings, as well as her signature pound cake, were especially popular and frequently served at church potlucks and community events.

Kitty was an active and cherished member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church for many years. She looked forward to her weekly gatherings with other ladies from the congregation every Wednesday, where they shared meals, stories, and fellowship. Her generous spirit extended beyond her home, as she volunteered for many years at Tanner Medical Center as a Pink Lady, offering support and kindness to patients and their families.

In addition to her commitment to her family and community, Kitty had a deep love for bluegrass music. She often enjoyed traveling with her husband, who was a talented member of a bluegrass band, attending performances and connecting with fellow music enthusiasts. Kitty's warm heart and vibrant spirit will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Miss Kitty leaves behind a loving family that includes her daughter and son-in-law, Nona and Brian Smith, and her son and daughter-in-law, Ernie and April Blanton. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Amanda and Paul Duke, Tara and Chris Thomason, Caleb and Katie Smith, Noah and Morgan Smith, Daniel and Michaela Smith, Katie and Cody Cannon, Natalie Blanton and Cody Justus, and Alex Blanton, along with her great grandchildren, Gabby Thomason, Maddie Duke, Jax Duke, Avery Smith and Atlas Cannon who will miss her zest for life and cherished laughter.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lamar Blanton; daughter, Deborah Blanton; and grandson, Little Ernie Blanton.

A funeral service will honor and celebrate Miss Kitty's life on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 3:00 PM from the Chapel of Martin & Hightower Funeral Home, with Rev. Karen Kagiyama officiating. Interment will follow in Carroll Memory Gardens, with Alex Blanton, Caleb Smith, Noah Smith, Daniel Smith, Paul Duke, Cody Cannon, and Chris Thomason serving as pallbearers. Her nephews and great-grandson, Jaxson Duke, will be seated as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM.

Condolence messages can be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.