Nancy Crane Phillips

Nancy “Libby” Crane Phillips, age 78, died peacefully at 2:08 pm on July 20, 2022. She was the second of five children, born on May 3, 1944 in Fort Mill, SC to the late Elliott Smythe Crane and Nancy Earnhardt Crane. She graduated from South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, then pursued a degree in Public Education from Pfeiffer University. She married her beloved husband of 52 years on July 15, 1967, David Frederick Phillips. It was also at this time that she began working for CMS as an elementary and middle school teacher until retiring in the late 90's.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Becca Gray of Lexington NC.

The joy of Libby’s life was her family. She was a devoted wife, mom, grandmother, sister, daughter, friend and neighbor. She was very involved in the International Host Family Program at UNC Charlotte, and she hosted many students from countries all over the world, introducing them to her culture while trying to learn more about theirs. She could always see the good in everything. She was a kind, compassionate soul who loved everyone no matter their background or situation and had an infectious laugh that could fill a room. She was not scared to get her hands dirty, loved working in her yard with Buddy (her cat), and stayed busy up to her last years. She would always make you feel like you were the only person in the room when she was speaking with you and never forgot a face or name. She was loved by her students, family, and friends and will be remembered for her smile, her energy, and her huge heart.

Libby is survived by three children: Christine “Chrissie” Phillips Light, (Steve) of Fort Mill, SC, Michael David Phillips, (Sharon) of Charlotte, and Stephen Elliott Phillips of Charlotte; grandchildren: Amanda Light, Katherine Light and Aaron Phillips; siblings: Susan Melson, (Bill) of Waxhaw, NC, Dr. John Crane, (Helen) of Mt Airy, NC and James “Jimmy” Crane, (“Squeek”) of Quincy, CA.

Funeral service will be at Avondale Presbyterian Church, 2821 Park Rd., on Wednesday, July 27, at 11:00 am. A graveside committal will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 26, from 6:00-8:00 pm, at McEwen Funeral Service, 10500 Park Rd., Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are equally welcome.