Mildred Vernell Blanton Keever, age 91, of Rutherfordton, NC, went home to be with the Lord Friday, June 12, 2026, at Oak Grove Healthcare Center.

Vernell was born June 10, 1935, in Rutherford County, NC. She was the daughter of the late Roy Blanton and the late Lillie Blanton. Vernell was a lifelong member of Gray's Creek Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Vernell was preceded in death by her husband, James "Tom" Edgar Keever, her son, Larry Dale Keever, and four brothers, Nathan Blanton, Calvin Blanton, Hoyle Blanton, and Boyce Blanton.

Vernell is survived by her son, Tommy Keever and his wife Susie, her sister, Rita Ruff and her husband Danny, two brothers, Joe Blanton and his wife Linda, and David Blanton, two grandsons, Jamie Keever and his wife Holly, and Travis Keever and his wife Kim, and five great-grandchildren, Kevin Keever, Cori Keever, Nic Keever, Peyton Keever, and Dillon Keever.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Sunday, June 14, 2026, at McMahan's Funeral Home. The graveside service will be at Gray's Creek Baptist Church Cemetery at 10:00 AM, Monday, June 15, 2026, with Jason Ruff, and Reverend Dr. Bryan Ezell officiating. Memorials may be made to Four Season Hospice, 581 S. Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731. McMahan's Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.