Shirley Lee Blanton

To most she was known as Shirley Johnson Blanton, but to her family she was known as “Mamaw Curly”, “Mamaw” and “Mom”. The warmth you felt when you were in her presence was palpable. The happiness that she brought to everyone’s lives, even strangers, was apparent. The love she showed her family and friends was always unconditional. She was the heart of our family and always brought us together. Her soul will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her the most and passed down generations to those who will never get the privilege of knowing and loving her. Whether she was playing the piano at church or cooking Sunday lunch for her family, she was always an example of Jesus’ love and acceptance of everyone.

Shirley Johnson Blanton, age 85, of Maynardville, the spouse of the late Laymon Johnson and Kenneth Blanton, the daughter of the late Lee and Louise Harmon, and survived by her sisters: Joyce Ridenour, Florence Skeen, and Lola Bell Beckham (deceased); her son, Gregory Johnson; her stepchildren: Cherly Blanton Rutledge, Marcie Blanton Lane, and Teresa Blanton Turner (deceased); her grandchildren: Courtney Johnson Russo, Craig Johnson, Kenny and Keith Lane, Adam and Erica Rutledge, and Josh and Justin Turner; and a host of great grandchildren. A special thanks to the Amedisys Home Healthcare nurses Darlene Strevel and Nicole Davidson. Pallbearers are Craig Johnson, Anthony Johnson, Michael Johnson, Alan Russo, Ben Beckham, and Steve Skeen.

Mamaw Shirley was simple and easy to be around, and she always welcomed everyone with a smile. The world will be a sadder place without her, but I know that she is rejoicing in Heaven with Jesus. She will be missed tremendously, her smile, her laugh, her sense of humor, everything about her. "So, with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy". John 16:22

Family and friends may call at their convenience on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 10:00-5:00pm at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel. Family and friends will meet at 1:00 pm at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel on Saturday, December 6, 2025, and travel in procession to New Loyston Cemetery for a 2:00pm graveside service officiated by Pastor Gary Vandergriff, of Union Baptist Church.

Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel is honored to serve the family of Shirley Johnson Blanton.