Leona ‘Lee’ Wright Blanton

Leona “Lee” Wright Blanton, age 95, formerly of Oak Ridge, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the Island Home Park Health and Rehab Center in Knoxville.

She was born May 8, 1918, in Knoxville, the daughter of William G. and Anice Ricker Wright.

Mrs. Blanton retired from the University of Tennessee, where she worked in the housekeeping department. In earlier years, she had also worked in the cafeteria at K-25 and in housekeeping. She was a member of Central Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Elbert Gordon Blanton; infant daughter, Billie Louise Blanton; and two sons, Robert “Bobby” Blanton and Ronald “Ronnie” Blanton.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Ann Shelton and husband Jerry of Seymour; daughters-in-law, Brenda Blanton of Corryton and Pat Blanton of Oak Ridge; seven grandchildren, Brenda Canupp and husband Darrell, and Terri Galyon and husband Rick, all of Seymour, David Blanton of Sweetwater, Scott Brewer and wife Michelle of Knoxville, Tracy Rout, and Jason Blanton and wife Amy, all of Oak Ridge, and Barbara Kennedy of Oliver Springs; 12 great-grandchildren: Taylor, Addison, and Amber Blanton, Caity Brewer, Dylan and Lacey Canupp, Tyler and Kara Galyon, Matthew Rout, Sara Chesser, Wesley McCue, and McKayla Blanton; and two great-great grandchildren, Ronan Conner Galyon and Alexis Chesser.

The family will receive friends Friday, Aug. 23, 2013 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral will follow at 7 p.m. with Rev. Tom Byrge officiating. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 1 p.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.