Mary Jane Rankin

Mrs. Mary Jane Nelson Rankin, 83, of East Main Street, Ellerbe, died Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at her home. Mrs. Rankin was born October 4, 1923 in Stokes County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late William Nathanial and Sadie Alley Nelson. Mrs. Rankin was a member of First United Methodist Church of Ellerbe where she had served as charge treasurer, was a member o f the United Methodist Women and the Christian Women’s Community Circle. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed spending time in her garden. She loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great granddaughter and trips to their second home in North Myrtle Beach. She retired from the Richmond County ASCS Office, now FSA Office, after 36 years of service. Her brothers, Charles Nelson, and Harry Nelson, sisters, Ann Nelson Mabe, Margie Nelson Whitlock, and Betty Nelson Rankin preceded her in death. Surviving are her husband of 65 years, Dolph Young Rankin of the home, their family, Kenneth Young Rankin and wife Lois of Ellerbe, Nathanial Dolph Rankin of Ellerbe, Meredith Rankin-McInnis and husband Richard of Rockingham, Susan Rankin Eaves and husband Mike of Fuquay Varina, Alan O’Neal of Clinton and great granddaughter, Katelyn Susannah O’Neal of Clinton. Also surviving is her sister, Rachel Nelson Wright and husband Richard of Mt. Gilead, Jack Nelson and wife Daphne of Wilmington, and many nephews and nieces. A service to celebrate her life will be held at 4:00 PM Friday from First United Methodist Church Ellerbe with Rev. Donald Daniel and Rev. Lesly Holt officiating. Interment will follow in Ellerbe Cemetery. The family will see friends from 5:00 –8:00 PM Thursday at Carter Funeral Home in Ellerbe and at other times at the home on East Main Street. The family wishes to extend their thanks to her caregivers, Kay Mabe, Joyce Foster, Mary Lopez, Cathy Rhyne, Kathy Wilson and the entire Richmond County Hospice Staff for their care, compassion and love. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O.Box 340, Ellerbe, NC 28338 or to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N. US 1 Hwy North, Rockingham, NC 28379.