Gaynell Blanton

SHELBY- Gaynell Earls Blanton, 81, went home to be with the Lord January 22, 2016 at Hospice Wendover of Cleveland County. A native of Cleveland County, Mrs. Blanton was the daughter of Calmie & Myrtle Earls. She was one of eleven children and came to know Jesus Christ as her personal savior at the age of 13 at a revival at Camps Creek Baptist Church. Retired from Fasco Controls in Shelby, Mrs. Blanton formerly co-owned a business with her daughter, Debbie's Wood and Wicker.
Mrs. Blanton lived a life of strong faith and enjoyed many years of singing with her daughter and sharing her love of Jesus Christ. A current member of Bethel Baptist Church, she was active in several ministries. She especially loved singing in the Senior Choir and participating in her Sunday School class.
Mrs. Blanton was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Blanton, sisters Susie Conner and Ellen Carder, brothers Leophus Earls, Forest Earls, Alvon Earls, Melvin Earls, Marshall Earls, Crawford Earls & Jimmy Earls. She is survived by her children, Debbie Spangler and husband Dean; Eric Blanton and wife Lisa; grandchildren Dena Spangler; Jill Parker & husband Eric; and Stacy Earls. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Eli and Maggie Parker and Brayden Stacy, as well as a sister, Oxie Harris of Forest City.
Funeral services will be held at Bethel Baptist Church in Shelby on Tuesday January 26, 2016. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:00 pm, with the funeral beginning at 3pm. Graveside services will be immediately afterward at Cleveland Memorial Park in Shelby.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bethel Baptist Church and Hospice of Cleveland County.