Montine Davis Blanton

Montine Davis Blanton, 95, of Valdosta passed away at her home in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 21, 2015. She was surrounded by a group of loved ones who had supported her through a courageous battle against her illness. She was born on September 20, 1919, in Merrillville, GA, to the late Thomas Franklin Davis and Alice Naomi NeSmith Davis. While Montine considered Valdosta her home, her roots were also deeply planted in Thomas County, where the Davises and NeSmiths, like many Scots-Irish-English folk, had migrated down from the east, through the Carolinas, to become first settlers in the Thomasville and Coolidge areas.
Her first loved church was Big Creek Baptist, which was established by family and friends in the early 1850's. Her uncles were among the first pastors of Big Creek and relatives are still board members there today. Montine's memories always included tales of riding to services in the wagon, snuggled onto quilts, bracing food for "dinner on the grounds". Since there were nine children, the oldest girls were sometimes elevated to the buggy to hold and help with the newest additions to the family. The Davises moved to Valdosta when she was six, and as a young adult, she joined Lee Street Baptist Church. Later, Montine and husband, Hughey Blanton became active members of Bemiss Road Baptist, and retained membership there until their separate passing's.
While growing up in Valdosta, she loved to take part in chorus activities at Valdosta High School along with her brother, Wesley, and remembered his being Master of Ceremonies and every word to the songs they sang. She continued to support young people through Fine Arts Programs, sports, and their charity drives. In addition, Montine was a member of WYMODAUSIS, Readers' Review, Literary Guild, and a charter supporter of the original Lowndes High Off Broadway. She and husband, Hughey, were regular contributors to St. Jude's and to several charitable groups that had children at the center of their missions. The comfort and caring of little ones was a passion that they both shared. The Blantons were also among those who organized and ran the "Loganberry Luminaria", possibly the first Christmas celebration of its kind in Valdosta.
Montine is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Gale Thomas Eger and Bill Eger of Valdosta; a daughter, Tracey Blanton Jackson of Monticello, FL; daughters and sons-in-law, Melba Blanton Corso and Fred Corso of Barrington, RI and Shelby Blanton Thompson and Larry "Butch" Thompson of Monticello, FL; son and daughter-in-law, Clyo and Lynn Blanton of Valdosta, GA; a sister, Frankie Davis Gause of Fleming Island, Orange Park, FL; thirteen grandchildren and twenty two great grandchildren, as well as a large extended family of special nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by the early passing of husband, George Thomas, and the demise of her husband, Hughey P. Blanton in 1991. She was also predeceased by sisters Virgie Parramore, Maebelle Gibson, Pearl Lightsey, Lilly Young, Tinnie Bell, Hazel Denmark, brother, Wesley Davis and most recently, son-in-law, Charles Jackson.
Celebratory Memorial Services for Montine Davis Blanton will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. at Christ the King Episcopal Church in downtown Valdosta, with Father Stan White officiating. Visitation will be held afterwards at a reception honoring Mrs. Blanton, at the Hilton Garden Inn on Gornto Road. Condolences to the family may be conveyed through www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home is attending the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to South Georgia Hospice, Langdale Hospice House, 2263 Pineview Drive, Valdosta, GA 31602 , The American Cancer Society or the charity of your choosing.






Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602