Gail Blanton

Gail Blanton, 79, of Beaumont died Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Spring, Texas. She was born on November 2, 1938, to Phyllis Baer Miller and Charles Reid Smith, in Chester, Pennsylvania. Ms. Blanton was an office manager for the Alumni Association at Lamar University. Prior to working at Lamar University, she started and operated Needle Arts Emporium.

Gail grew up in Wilmington, Delaware. She was a Mount Pleasant High School graduate, where she was a cheerleader and played on the varsity field hockey team. In 1969, Gail moved to Beaumont. She was very involved in the Lamar University Cardinal Club and held season tickets to various Lamar University sports. Ms. Blanton was such an avid fan, that she was named Super Fan of the week for a Lamar University football game. Gail was a member of the Beaumont Symphony League, mentor in the “I Have a Dream” Program, and a former board member of the Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program. She was also a member of the Space City Ski Club, where she traveled and learned to snow ski. Gail had a passion of capturing photographs when she was around her family and friends. And she enjoyed making copies of the pictures to give to her loved ones in which she shared those memories. Another passion of Gail’s was at Christmas-time when she would bake over 100 dozen Christmas cookies, and then drive around Beaumont delivering tins filled with yummy cookies to so many friends.

Survivors include her children, David Floyd; Patti Lawrence and her husband, Joe; grandchildren; Rob, Drew, and Kate Lawrence; brother; Reid Smith and his wife, Marty; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

The family would like to thank all the dedicated and wonderful people at Ultimate Care Home in Spring, Texas, who assisted Gail over the last five years. They provided a beautiful and loving home for mom. http://ultimatecarehomes.com/our-homes/gods-providers/

Memorial contributions may be made to the Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program, 2390 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706 or to the “I Have a Dream” Program, P.O. Box 7434, Beaumont, Texas 77726.

A gathering of Ms. Blanton’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 23, 2018, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont. A private family committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.