Daisy (Lewis) Cranford

On the morning of November 29, 2020, Daisy Lewis Cranford passed peacefully from this earth into the Presence of her Heavenly Father. Born in Charleston, MS, to the late James V. & Hazel Lewis, Daisy spent most of her growing up years in Glen Allen, MS, tending younger siblings (Delores Deam, Gene Lewis, Johnny Lewis & Phil Lewis, all deceased) performing farm chores, including hoeing, picking cotton and playing girls’ basketball. While a student at Millsap’s College she chauffeured some of her professors on a summer trip, driving a car with no air-conditioner from Mississippi to California and back.  Driving with wet towels draped in the windows and enjoying picnic lunches, they visited the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, Temple Square, Hollywood and other landmarks along the way.  As a young adult she served as Greenville’s Goodwill Ambassador, traveling to several European countries.  Letters written to the people of Greenville to document her travels were printed in the Delta Democrat Times. Having earned a BA from Millsap’s College in Music and Education, as well as a master’s from Delta State in Guidance and Counseling, Daisy spent more than 40 years as an educator in Mississippi schools.  The majority of those years she taught in Greenville, Mississippi, however she also taught in Anguilla and Yazoo City.  In 1969, Daisy was instrumental in the establishment of Greenville Christian School, serving as a teacher and Assistant Administrator.  Later she returned to her original calling as an elementary music teacher at Washington School in Greenville.  Year after year teachers, parents and grandparents delighted in their children’s performances, directed by Mrs. Cranford, at the annual PTO Music Programs.  Retiring from Washington School in 1999, Daisy moved to Clarksville, AR where she was a substitute teacher until the age of 80! Known for her outstanding skills at the piano, Daisy played for numerous church services, revivals and weddings in Greenville and in surrounding areas of the Delta.  For a number of years, she was the pianist for the Chinese Mission at First Baptist Church of Greenville.  Through this connection she mentored many young Chinese women as they came to live in America. She helped them with the English language, taught them about American cooking, even teaching some to drive! Mrs. Cranford considered the Bible to be the guiding principle in her life, often emphasizing Proverbs 3:5-6 to her children and encouraging any who would listen to seek God’s guidance in all things.  In her own way she endeavored to fulfill Jesus’ command to “...preach the Gospel and make disciples...” by the establishment of a Christian school, supporting missions and various ministries with her time, talents, financial gifts and her prayers.  Inspired by the autobiographical book, China Cry, she went on numerous mission trips with Nora Lam Crusades, traveling to the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and on two occasions Daisy even smuggled Bibles to the Underground Church in China! Formerly married 37 years to Lynn Cranford, Daisy was a “no nonsense” mother who showed her love in countless ways to her children: Patty Cranford of Madison, MS; Martha Carol (Terry) Camp of Medina, TN; Lynette (Chuck) Nance of Broken Arrow, OK, and granddaughters Mollie Nance of Broken Arrow, OK and Amy (Steven) Loria of Medina, TN.  She is also survived by her great grandson Camp Loria as well as several nieces, nephews and their families in MS, AR, FL, and TX. Per Daisy’s wishes there will be no service. She will be laid to rest alongside her parents and siblings at County Line Community Cemetery in Glen Allen, Mississippi. The family wishes to extend their love and gratitude to the staff at Jaquith Nursing Home where their “Mama” a.k.a. “Gramma” received excellent care from Dr. Brewer, nurses, many kind and dedicated CNAs along with the housekeepers of building 28. Condolences to the family or memories may be shared at trinityfuneralservices.net.  Honorariums may be made to The Greatest Journey, one of the many children’s programs at Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.  Please put her name and “Greatest Journey” in the memo space.  Additionally, honorariums can be made online at www.samaritanspurse.org.  Choose the “Give” tab, Memorial giving, scroll down to select Donate, then enter her name to be taken to her memorial page. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Cranford family and asks that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.