Mrs. Nancy Crane

Nancy Crane, 93, of Charlotte, died peacefully at home on March 3, 2010 after a brief illness. She was born on April 11, 1916 in Union County, NC. Mrs. Crane was the last surviving of eleven children born to the late John G and Ola Smith Earnhardt. She graduated from Pineville High School and Geyer Business College in Charlotte In 1937 she married Elliott Smythe Crane who died in 1968. Mrs. Crane retired from Celanese Corporation of America after 29 years of service. She was a long time member of Grace United Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her five brothers (Clarence, Elmer, Herman, Astor, and Brice Earnheart) and by her five sisters (Ida Carroll, Ethel Ayers, Leona Greene, Bertie Price, and Mary Jackson). She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Barry Dale Gray.

Mrs. Crane is survived by five children and their spouses: Susan Melson and husband, Bill; Libby Phillips and husband, David, all of Charlotte. Becca Gray, of Lexington, NC. Dr. John Crane and wife, Helen of Mt. Airy, NC. Jimmy Crane, and wife, Squeek of Quincy, CA. Mrs. Crane had 12 beloved grandchildren: Chrissie Light and husband, Steve, Michael Phillips, Ranie Gray, Jennifer Melson, Heather Cagle, and husband Ken, Lindsey Hatch and husband, Matt, Will Melson, and wife, Shannon, Stephen Phillips, Jonathan Crane, Daniel Crane and wife, Emily, Jessica Gray, and Nancy A. Crane. She is also survived by 5 adored great grandchildren: Amanda Light, Katie Light, Aaron Phillips, Emily Hatch, and Stella Hatch.

Mrs. Crane is also survived by a large number of nieces and nephews and their families. She was especially close to her nephew, Hershel Ayers of Charlotte and her niece, Doris Hyatt, of Greenville, SC.

Our Mom believed in family, in hard work and in education. She did not believe in germs or in being depressed. She had a sharp mind, a wonderful memory and enormous energy. She stayed busy and was always interested in learning new things. She never ceased to be young at heart.

She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. We hold dear

the many happy memories we as a family shared through the years. We will miss her presence

and her gentle spirit and we will cherish her memory.

Her funeral service will be at Grace United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Grace United Methodist Church., 737 E Woodlawn Road

Visitation will be on Saturday, March 6 from 6-8 pm at McEwen Funeral Home, Pineville, NC

Memorials in her honor may be given to the Pleasant Grove Campground, 3010 Potter Road, P.O. Box 68, Mineral Springs, NC , 28173 or to Grace United Methodist Church , 737 East Woodlawn Road , Charlotte NC. 28209

Arrangements are by McEwen Pineville Chapel. Online condolences at www.MeM.com.