Joyce Freeman Cranford

Mrs. Joyce Freeman Cranford, 95, a lifelong resident of Thomasville, passed away on June 4, 2025.

She was born on June 15, 1929, in Lexington, NC, the daughter of Clarence C. Freeman and Eva Miller Freeman. Joyce was a devoted lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Thomasville, where she attended the Truth Seekers Sunday School Class and sang in the choir. She graduated from Pilot High School and earned an associate degree from Ashmore Business College. She went on to work at Pilot Life Insurance Company, Thomasville Furniture, and later with Thomasville City Schools.

Her faith and family were central to her life, and she was deeply loved for her generosity, gentle spirit, and caring nature.

On December 19, 1948, she married Paul W. Cranford, who preceded her in death on June 1, 2007.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her brothers Julian DeWitt Freeman, Wayne Miller Freeman, C.C. Freeman Jr., Ted Freeman, and Ned Freeman, as well as her sister, Lou Willie Hunt.

She is survived by her two sons, David Cranford (Liz) and Steve Cranford (Megan), both of Thomasville, NC; one sister, Donna Ferguson of Thomasville, NC; and two grandchildren, Scott Leonard (Erin) of High Point and Alisha Keller (Matt) of Charlotte, NC. She also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Stone, Dylan, and Rivers of High Point, NC; as well as many nieces and nephews who were dearly loved.

Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Bynum Orr and Pastor Roland Cavanaugh at Wright Funerals-Cremations, 1720 Westchester Dr., High Point, NC 27262, on Sunday, June 8, at 3:00 p.m. Visitation with the family will follow the service.

A private burial will be at Holly Hill Memorial Park

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westchester Manor Nursing Center – Activities Department, 1795 Westchester Dr., High Point, NC 27262, or to First Baptist Church of Thomasville, NC, 11 Randolph St., Thomasville, NC 27360

The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone at Westchester Manor Nursing Center, who loved Joyce as their own. We are forever grateful for the compassion, joy, and relationships she experienced while in your care.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point, is in charge of the arrangements.