Harriette Splawn Blanton, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 12, 2026. She was born on December 18, 1944, to Preston and Mary Lou Splawn and resided in Columbus, North Carolina.

Harriette was a warm light to her family and all who knew her. Her doors were always open, welcoming family and friends with love, kindness, and grace. She was a woman of deep and abiding faith, a faithful member of Columbus Baptist Church, and in her later years attended Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Harriette loved her family deeply and found joy in life’s simple blessings. She enjoyed sewing, listening to hymns, and spending quiet time reading. Her gentle spirit and nurturing heart were felt by everyone around her.

Harriette dedicated her life to education and service. She taught in public education for nearly 30 years and earned her undergraduate degree in education from Western Carolina University and her master’s degree in education from Converse University. She taught at Mills River, Stearns, Polk Central, and Mill Spring Elementary Schools.

Her love for children extended beyond the classroom through her involvement with Girls in Action, Mission Friends, and many years of faithful Sunday School teaching, where she lovingly shared her faith and passion for learning with generations of children.

Harriette shared 57 years of devoted marriage with her beloved husband and the love of her life, Clint Blanton. Their love story was one of devotion, commitment, and faith—a legacy that will be cherished and passed down for generations to come.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her siblings, Margaret Bennett of White Oak, North Carolina; Virginia Green of Tampa, Florida; and Walt Splawn (Karen Splawn) of Rutherfordton, North Carolina; her children, Joy Robbins (Arthur Robbins) of Columbus, North Carolina, and Julie Wilson (Brian Wilson) of Mill Spring, North Carolina; and her five beloved grandchildren, Savannah Robbins Dill (Kaleb Dill), Julianna Robbins, Courtney Wilson, Austin Wilson, and Lauren Wilson.

Harriette’s life was one of love, faith, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

2 Timothy 4:7

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

John 14:2–3

“In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you.”

Visitation will be held from 1:00–2:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Columbus, North Carolina, on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Officiated by Brian Wilson and Dr. Chris Osborn.

Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens in Columbus.

The family will be at the home.