"Kitty" Mary Kathleen Murray Blanton

"Kitty" Mary Kathleen Murray Blanton, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, at Rehabilitation Center of South Georgia in Tifton. Born on November 7, 1930, she was the cherished baby girl of Ernest and Maggie Murray, growing up alongside five siblings who provided her with a loving and supportive family environment.

Miss Kitty's life was marked by devoted service to her family and community. She enjoyed a fulfilling career that revolved around her passions, particularly baking. Known for her exceptional cakes for birthdays and weddings, as well as her renowned chicken and dumplings, her culinary talents were celebrated at family and church gatherings. Her home was a welcoming place, often filled with laughter and the delight of children.

A vibrant personality, Miss Kitty adored a good joke and relished the joy it brought to others. This passion for humor infused her life with warmth and light, especially during her many forays into the world of bluegrass music, which she and her husband, Floyd Lamar Blanton, embraced wholeheartedly. The couple created many happy memories together during their joyous excursions to music gatherings. She often joked that she hoped she would not pass away on a Tuesday, considering that her husband would have to defer his Tuesday night "Pickin and Grinnin" activities in her absence

Miss Kitty's commitment to her community showed through her volunteer work as a pink lady at Tanner Memorial Hospital in Carrollton and her efforts at the local Captain D's, where she served as a prep line worker. She exhibited a deep love for staying busy, embodying the spirit of service throughout her life.

She met the love of her life at Hilliard High School, where she attended Physical Education classes, and on August 1, 1949, she married her high school teacher. Their marriage lasted an impressive sixty-nine years, ending with his passing in 2018.

Over the course of her life, Miss Kitty resided in several places, starting from Tifton, Georgia, where she lived from 1962 to 1968, followed by a brief stay in Athens, Georgia. In 1969, she settled in Carrollton, where she remained until 2022. She then moved back to the Tifton area to live with her daughter in Chula, Georgia, and became a charter member of Grace and Mercy Church in Tifton, further enriching her spiritual journey.

Miss Kitty leaves behind her loving daughter, Nona Smith, and her husband Brian Smith; her son, Ernie Blanton, and his wife April; and cherished memories of her late daughter Debbie 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.

The family extends special thanks to her adopted daughters, Carol Bell and Tan Williams, for their unwavering love and care, along with Hospice of Tift Area and Mary Jane Wheeler for their tremendous support during her final days.

Miss Kitty’s legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will forever be remembered by those whose lives she touched.

A visitation will take place on March 12, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Albritton Funeral Directors, located at 1020 Tift Ave N, Tifton, GA 31794.

A funeral, visitation and interment will be held in Carrollton and will be announced later in the week by Martin & Hightower Family Funeral Home who is in charge of the arrangements in Carrollton, Georgia.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements in Tifton, Georgia