Doralee Smith Blanton

Doralee Smith Blanton entered eternal rest on March 28, 2024.  Born in Waynesville, NC, on August 12, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Oliver and Dorcas Toy Smith. 

Doralee overcame early life challenges, but her courage enabled her spirit to soar with purpose and achievement.  Married for 63 years to her loving husband and soulmate, Ray Blanton, her life was filled with a loving family, dear friends, and true happiness.

Doralee had a passion for dancing, particularly enjoying the energy of two-step and line dancing. Their favorite places to dance were Cotton Eye Joe’s in Knoxville, TN., and The White Horse Cafe, where she and Ray participated in the taping of the popular television show “Club Dance”.  They enjoyed fine dining and traveling anywhere together. They especially loved exploring the beauty of Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada, and Scotland. 

Being a nature enthusiast, Doralee found solace in walking trails, and capturing the essence of the world through her photography, often focusing on the delicate intricacies of wildflowers and landscapes. Her compassionate nature extended to her love for animals, particularly kittens.  

Doralee cherished her family above all else, showering them with love and wisdom. She dedicated her life to nurturing her three children, imparting the values of responsibility and accountability, and shaping them into exceptional individuals. She was also a devoted grandmother.

In her professional life, Doralee was an accomplished seamstress, even educating and mentoring others with her expertise.  She pursued an associate degree from Southwestern Tech and established herself as a respected business owner in the rental industry.  She held her real estate license and was a managing partner with her husband for Blanton’s Residential Rentals. She was also a member of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the New Hope Baptist Church in Sylva, NC.

In addition to her parents, she is also predeceased by her loving husband Ray, twin brothers, Robert “Bob” Smith and William “Bill” Smith, and two younger sisters, Dorothy Bullman and Elizabeth Smith.

She is survived by her sons, Ray M. Blanton, Jr. (Carla) of Springfield, TN, Michael L. Blanton of Taylorsville, NC, and daughter, Robin Bellah (Robert) of Charleston, SC, grandchildren, Cody, Michael, Marcus, Kelly, Jamie, Trey, and great-grandchildren, Addison, Brantley, Corbin, Lukasey and Olive, step-grandchild, Kimberly, twin sister, Jane Edwards, brother, Edward Smith, and sister, Barbara Randleman.

In celebration of Doralee’s remarkable life and legacy, the family will receive friends on April 6, 2024, at 1:00 pm, at Appalachian Funeral Services and Crematorium, 165 Skyland Drive, Sylva, NC  28779. A service at the funeral home will follow. Burial will be at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, 524 Old Settlement Road, Sylva, NC 28779.   The church will host a reception for family and friends in their fellowship hall following the burial.

Doralee was a light in the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.  She was known as a beautiful human being with a beautiful soul.  If you were her friend, you were her friend for life. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love and warmth she shared with those around her.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements in Charleston, South Carolina have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC   29412, 843-614-8494.  In Sylva, arrangements are entrusted to Appalachian Funeral Services and Cremation, 165 Skyland Drive, Sylva, NC, 28779.