Carolyn Cruthirds Blanton

Carolyn Cruthirds Blanton, 80, passed away on November 3, 2018 in Houston, TX. Carolyn was born in Mount Olive, MS and grew up in Seagoville, TX. A talented clarinetist in her youth, she was selected for membership in the Texas All-State Band multiple times. She also competed in a statewide high school talent competition held in conjunction with the State Fair of Texas and came in second to a young, then unknown pianist from East Texas named Van Cliburn.
In her senior year, Carolyn auditioned for and was accepted into the Juilliard School in New York. Although she decided not to pursue a career in music, she remained a lifelong musician and music lover. After raising a family, she developed a passion for painting, and she particularly treasured her classes with Arthur Turner and Patrick Palmer at the Glassell School of Art.
Those remaining to cherish her memory include her husband, Robert Morris Blanton Sr.; sons Thomas Robert Blanton II and Robert Morris Blanton Jr.; grandchildren Lauren Mali Blanton, Robert Morris Blanton III and Andrew Guy Willis; brother Chalmers Thomas Cruthirds Jr.; niece Melissa Moore Abcarian; goddaughter Rachael Elizabeth Wilson; daughter-in-law Wanda Plungkhen Blanton; sister-in-law Leta T. Cruthirds; and great-nieces Michelle René Adams and Erica Nicole Davis. Carolyn’s family extends their gratitude to the clergy of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church and the many friends who offered comfort and support.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at eleven o'clock in the morning, in the chapel of St. John The Divine Episcopal Church, 2450 River Oaks Blvd, Houston, TX 77019. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Glassell School of Art and the St. John the Divine Music Ministry.