Ann Ivey Cranford

Ann Ivey Cranford of Greensboro died Tuesday, April 1, 2025, on her 89th birthday. A private service will be held at the columbarium at Christ United Methodist Church, where she has been a member since 1963. Mrs. Cranford was born April 1, 1936, in Albemarle, NC, the daughter of the late J. Wallace and Kathleen Lisk Ivey, and graduated magna cum laude from Greensboro College.

She was employed by Carlyle & Co. Jewelers for 37 years, retiring as Executive Vice President-Store Operations and a Director. Following retirement, she continued as a member of the company’s Board of Directors. During her career, she served as President of the North Carolina Jewelers Association, as Treasurer for the Piedmont chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security and was an active member of Meeting Professionals International. She also served as Recording Secretary and newsletter editor for the Guilford Battle Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution and presented programs on DAR insignia and other subjects to chapters throughout the southeast. While living in Oak Island, she was a member of the Brunswick Town chapter of the DAR. Ann became member at large in 2017. She was also a member of Lecture League of Greensboro.

Mrs. Cranford was an avid reader and traveler, preferably with her husband and when possible, her sons.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Cranford was preceded in death by her husband, Charles L. Cranford, III and brother, Jim Ivey. She is survived by her sons, Charles IV and John both of Greensboro; sister-in-law Margaret Ivey of Albemarle; niece, Dale Ivey Stoehr and husband Larry of Greensboro, and their family, Claire Summerell and husband Joseph, Kathleen Ellison, Alison Kavanagh and husband James, and John Stoehr; nephew Jim Ivey III and wife Lori of Albemarle and their sons William and Robert.

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice of school or organization devoted to the care of children and youth with special needs or to the music fund at Christ United Methodist Church.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Cranford family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com