Margaret "Peggy" Smoot Crane

Margaret “Peggy” Harlow Smoot Crane, age 85, of Culpeper departed this world on November 27, 2024. She passed away at Dogwood Village of Orange. She was born in Culpeper County on July 26, 1939 to the late E. Russell (Buck) Smoot and Margaret Myers Hitt Smoot.

Peggy is survived by two children - Alison R. Crane of Madison VA, and James Russell (Rusty) Crane of North Carolina. Eight grandchildren - Elizabeth Fletcher Wharton; Michael Fletcher; Langdon and Lindzi Crane; Rusty, Tyler, Noelle, and Keely Crane; and several great grandchildren. One brother - Elwood Smoot (wife, Harlean) of Culpeper. A sister-in-law - Connie Smoot of Ophelia, VA. Her current pet is Jack the cat.

In addition to her parents, Peggy is preceded in death by her son - Harry (Lanny) Crane, Jr. of Culpeper and daughter - Sandra Crane Fletcher of North Carolina. One brother - Douglas Smoot of Ophelia, VA. Baby brother - Tommy at 11 months of age. Peggy loved and cared for her pet cats Morris, Philip, Sylvie and dog Reefus over the years.

In 1983, Peggy was hired as Administrative Secretary to the County Administrator and Board of Supervisors for the County of Culpeper. In 1999, she earned her designation as Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) and served as Deputy Clerk to the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors until she retired from her position in 2009 as a result of a stroke she suffered in 2008.

Peggy was a member of the Virginia Municipal Clerks Association (VMCA) and International Municipal Clerks Association (IIMC). She served as Chairman of the Scholarship Committee for VMCA for two years. She was chosen “Employee of the Year” in 2002 by her fellow peers. She was a member of the Culpeper Jaycettes in the 1960’s and received the Jaycette Keydette Award in 1965. Most recently, Peggy also served as a member of the Full Circle Thrift Board for several years, even after her stroke.

Outside of work, Peggy enjoyed her family, was a loving and caring mother and grandmother, loved a good laugh and conversation, and was a lifelong Washington Redskins football fan. She also enjoyed attending Nascar races over the years in Richmond and collecting her favorite driver - Dale Earnhardt - memorabilia. Peggy was known for her helping personality and always wanting to do a kind act for others.

Peggy is a member of the Culpeper United Methodist Church. She leaves behind many friends, acquaintances, and family members. She had the honor and privilege of serving the Board of Supervisors for Culpeper County, especially William “Bill” Chase, Brad Rosenberger, Steve Walker, Sue Hansohn, John Coates, Steve Nixon, and Larry Aylor.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 13 at 11:00 am at the Culpeper United Methodist Church with Pastors Won Lee and Randy Orndorff officiating. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peggy’s name to the Culpeper County Animal Shelter, Culpeper County Emergency Services, or the Culpeper United Methodist Church. Fond memories and condolences may be shared with the Crane family through clore-english.com.