Phyllis Coopey Crane

John Philip Crane and Rev. Phyllis Coopey Crane shared nearly 57 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, service, and a deep love for one another. Phyllis passed away on August 20, 2026, and just three weeks later, on September 12, 2026, Phil passed away as well.

Their story began in 1969, when Phil and Phyllis were married on August 9 at Eisenhower Chapel at Penn State University. But their story began even earlier. While they were dating, Phil drove the train at Pullen Park and took Phyllis for a ride—a simple memory that became part of the story of the life they would build together.

What followed was a lifetime of shared adventures, ministry, work, family, friendships, and service. Together, they built their home and family in Raleigh, North Carolina, and spent their lives investing in the people God placed in their path.

Phyllis

Phyllis was born on September 6, 1945, in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, to Walter and Muriel Coopey and was raised in Audenried, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, and began her career in food service as a cafeteria manager at Penn State University, where one of her responsibilities was overseeing the training table for the Nittany Lions football team.

After marrying Phil, Phyllis returned to Greenville, South Carolina, where she served for several years as a cafeteria manager at Greenville High School. In the early 1970s, she and Phil returned to Raleigh and made their home in Historic Oakwood in downtown Raleigh.

Phyllis had a deep love for people, children, food, and ministry. She served for many years as secretary at Highland Baptist Church, where her organizational gifts and caring nature were valued by the church community. She also worked for Cuisinart for many years, traveling to stores to their demonstrate products. She often came home with new recipes, delicious food, and stories to share—something her family came to love. She also directed and catered many weddings over the years, bringing together her organizational skills, love of food, and desire to make special occasions meaningful for others.

Her love for children became a central part of her ministry. At Tabernacle Baptist Church, she served as Minister of Education, and later at First Baptist Church of Clayton, she served as Minister of Children and eventually as Minister to Senior Adults.

As her faith and calling grew, Phyllis pursued theological education at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Union Theological Seminary. She was a pioneer for women in ministry, becoming the first woman to be ordained in the history of Tabernacle Baptist Church. She never sought recognition for herself; she simply desired to follow where she believed God was leading and use her life to serve others.

Her ministry later expanded to include serving on the Johnston Baptist Association Senior Adult Council and as a North Carolina Aging Adults Innovating Ministry Leader for Eastern North Carolina.

One of her greatest joys was leading mission teams. For more than 30 years, she led teams in ministry and service to communities from Baltimore to Alaska, Greenwich, Connecticut, and New York City. Through those journeys, she touched countless lives and encouraged others to discover the joy of serving.

Most of all, Phyllis loved her Lord. Her faith was not simply something she professed—it was something she lived. Whether teaching children, ministering to senior adults, preparing a meal, organizing an event, leading a mission team, or caring for her family, she sought to serve God and others with her whole heart.

Phil

Phil was born on August 21, 1945, in Raleigh, North Carolina, and was raised in the city he would eventually call home for most of his life. He graduated from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina.

After marrying Phyllis, Phil remained in Greenville for a time, working as a delivery driver for a food supply company. In the early 1970s, he and Phyllis returned to Raleigh. After briefly working with Franklin County Schools, Phil began his long career at Wake Christian Academy.

Wake Christian Academy became an important part of Phil's life and legacy. During his many years at WCA, he faithfully served in a variety of roles, including teacher, athletic director, Head of School, and the school's first Alumni Coordinator.

Phil cared deeply about young people. He believed in helping students grow not only academically and athletically, but also in character and faith. Through his years at Wake Christian Academy, he invested in generations of students, many of whom carried his encouragement and the lessons they learned from him throughout their lives.

While serving at Wake Christian Academy, Phil also worked with the Raleigh Rescue Mission Shelter, serving people experiencing homelessness. His work there reflected his genuine compassion and his belief in meeting people where they were and treating them with dignity and kindness.

His church was another important part of Phil's life. For many years, he taught the Senior Adult Sunday School class at Tabernacle Baptist Church, treasuring the fellowship and opportunity to share his faith with others. Phil also loved music and was a longtime member of the church choir. He especially enjoyed singing the traditional hymns of the faith—songs that had been part of his life and spiritual journey for many years.

Phil retired from Wake Christian Academy in 2014 after more than four decades of service. Following his retirement, Phil devoted himself to caring for Phyllis, taking on the role of her full-time caregiver. He cared for her with patience, tenderness, and unwavering devotion, allowing them to remain together at home and sharing the later years of their marriage side by side.

Even in retirement, the relationships he had formed with former students, colleagues, church members, families, and friends remained an important part of his life. But above all, his greatest commitment was to Phyllis and to the family they had built together.

Family

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Muriel Coopey, and her brother, Lee Coopey.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall Edward, Sr and Louise Crane; his brother, Marshall Edward Crane, Jr (Rose); and his beloved wife, Phyllis Coopey Crane.

They are survived by their daughters, Susan Cane Nader (Nick) and Sarah Elizabeth Clark (Michael), and their beloved grandchildren, Gwen, Daisy (Andrew), Gabe, Zoe, Shiloh, and Julius Clark and McKenzie and Mason Nader.

They were devoted parents and grandparents. Family was one of their greatest joys, and they took tremendous pride in their daughters and grandchildren. They treasured the ordinary moments of family life just as much as the extraordinary ones. Their family will remember them for their love, faith, humor, generosity, and the many ways they gave of themselves to others. Their legacy also lives on through the generations of students they taught, the people they served, the churches in which they ministered, the mission teams they led, and the many friends whose lives they touched.

In Their Memory/Phil and Phyllis Crane Memorial Fund

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. Both Phil and Phyllis spent time in the care of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, and the family would be honored for donations to support the creation of a memorial in their names. Such a gift would be a meaningful way to honor their lives and the compassionate care they received.

Donations may be made online at LifeCare.org or by check mailed to:

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare

Foundation Department/Phil and Phyllis Crane Memorial Fund

1414 Physicians Drive

Wilmington, NC 28401

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church (8304 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613), October 10, 2026 at 11:00am. Following the service, the family will gather for a private lunch.

Phil and Phyllis spent their lives answering the call to love God, love their family, and serve others. For nearly 57 years, they walked side by side through life—building a family, serving their community, investing in others, and sharing a faith that shaped everything they did.

Their earthly work is finished.

Together in life. Together in faith. Together again in eternity.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC, is serving the Crane family.