Patricia Cranford

Dateline : Bakersville, NC

Pat was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, graduating West Mecklenburg High School in 1966. She went on to excel in cosmetology school, a skill that benefited her friends, family, and co-workers for the rest of her life. Her love affair with cars was known far and wide. Many a niece and nephew attribute great childhood joy to riding with her, or better yet, when she let them behind the wheel. She opened a Vintage Clothing store in Charlotte in 1977, regularly being her own best advertisement by wearing the merchandise as she worked. The tall, beautiful brunette in the 1940s slim cut and shoulder-padded dresses was a welcome addition to the Charlotte fashion scene. During this time, she also worked as a private detective and body guard, which she quite enjoyed. She went on to become a Regional Manager for a very large health care corporation. She loved white water rafting and primitive camping with her friends. Travel and exploration were her passions, especially with great companions. Her best friends and their children brought light and love into her life that meant the world to her. 

She could not have asked for better siblings. Each of you brought such humor, wit, comfort, joy, and love into her life. She treasured your time together, and loved recalling the memories of your wonderful lives as adults. She adored her nieces and nephews, and valued her family above all. She was generous: with her time, her help, her possessions. She wanted her loved ones to know how special they were to her. She was a consummate storyteller, and compassionate listener. 

She and her grandchildren had a ball together. Dezzy (Jocelyn) and Dashiel could make her laugh like no others. She loved that they could match her outrageous sense of humor, and the gifts they shared each holiday were legendary. She was generous to a fault when wish lists, complete with exact buying instructions, would come through. She loved these past couple of years having them closer to her, cooking, talking, and sharing experiences together. They filled her heart with delight. 

Her greatest joys were her husband, daughter, and puppy, and her best adventures were had with them. She loved Tara with all that she was, and passed her exuberance for living on to her. Generosity of nature, love of family, and a zeal for life are wonderful gifts to give a child. She and Kenny had a love affair for the ages. They were always up for adventure, pushing the limits of what others might call good sense. But they had 18 lives between them, and they lived them to the fullest. Just riding in the car with Pat, stopping to take pictures, picking up groceries; everything was more exciting. She made it so. She and Kenny are so happy, whole and well together, but the world has less laughter now that she’s gone. 

Survivors include her daughter, Tara G. Cranford Teague (Jason), granddaughter, Dez Jocelyn Cranford Teague, grandson, Dashiel Cranford Teague, siblings; Glenda Watts, Bill Loftis, (Nadine) Gayle Henderson and Pamela Phillips (Avery), and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary Kenneth Cranford, her parents, Preston and Billie Wood Grant, and a sister, Dollene Loftis Rape.

A private graveside service will be held Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 3:00PM at Green Young Cemetery with Reverend Russell McKinney officiating. Henline - Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Cranford Family.

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