Rachel Baity Cranford, 94, of Thomasville passed away peacefully Saturday August 1, 2020 at Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center. Rachel was born October 19, 1925 in Davidson County to the late Jacob Wesley Baity and Lula Underwood Baity. Rachel graduated from Thomasville High School and Ashmore Business College. During World War II she worked for the war department and later as a insurance secretary for Parkdale Mills. Rachel was a lady of strong faith and was the oldest member of First United Methodist Church. She served in many leadership positions in the UMW and was given special recognition in 2014 for her 75 years of service as a member of the Choir. She was active in service to the community as a past member of the Bent Twig Garden Club, Thomasville Women’s Club, and Meals on Wheels. She also enjoyed playing bridge with several clubs. On January 4, 1945 she married Herman C. Cranford who preceded her in death on March 5, 1982. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Chester Baity and sister Clarice Miller.

Surviving are a daughter, Kay C. Eanes and husband Carey Eanes of Thomaville; one son, Preston V. Cranford and partner Barbara Wagner of Pleasant Hill, CA.; one granddaughter, Kellan Martin -Eanes and husband Allister Martin- Eanes of Asheville; two great-grandchildren, Atticus Martin-Eanes and Esme Martin-Eanes.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 3:00 PM at Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Rodney Burton officiating. Rachel will lie in state at J.C. Green and Sons Funeral Home in Thomasville all day Tuesday and until the hour of the graveside service on Wednesday, for anyone who would like to pay their respects. The family would like to give a special thank you to Carol Bennett, Pat Gaynor, Mindy Martinez and Arlene Williams as loving caregivers the last months of her life and to the staff of Spring Arbor for their care. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be sent to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 1860, Thomasville, NC 27361. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.jcgreenandsons.com.