Lucille Cranford

Lucille Kathleen Buchanan Cranford, age 83, of New London, passed away on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at CMC- NorthEast. The family will receive friends at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle on Friday, February 8, 2013 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. The funeral service, officiated by Rev. Tim Whittington, will be held at Bethany United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 11 a.m. She will lie is state 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. At other times, the family will meet at her home. Mrs. Cranford was born on April 24, 1929, to the late Franklin Columbus Buchanan and the late Emma Richardson Buchanan. She is also preceded in death by her husband in 2011, Thurman Cranford, Sr.; three brothers and two sisters. She is survived by two sons, Thurman “Bran” Cranford, Jr. and wife, Sophia of New London, David Cranford and wife Kayce of Stanfield; four grandchildren, Amber Cranford ,Thurman “Trey” Cranford, III, Luke H. and Levi H. Cranford. Mrs. Cranford retired as office manager for Concord Telephone after 44 years and then worked part time at Bank of Stanly. A faithful member of Bethany UMC, she was a member of the UMW and Administrative Board, served as a Sunday School teacher and treasurer of the church building fund, and took pride in participating in the Prayer Shawl Ministry. She was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother. Her favorite past time was spending time with her precious grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Bethany UMC Memorial Fund for Lucille Cranford, 2411 US Hwy 52 North, Albemarle, NC 28001. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Cranford family.