Jewell Bost McCranie

My mother, Mrs. Jewell R. Bost McCranie, died April 21, 2014, at WHCC, in Maryland. My mom was born in Iredell County on Memorial Day, May 30, 1912. Her parents were Walter A. Bost and Tossie M. Freeze Bost. Growing up on Statesville, she was surrounded by her six brothers, Lewis, Thomas, Archie, Fred, John, and Paul, along with one sister, Lucille. All preceded her in death. Mom stopped school after grade five. She continued to read, and became a very independent self-educated woman. She eagerly helped her Mother with the children, worked in the garden, and developed lifelong friendships. She talked about how she loved her grandmothers and cared for them in their old age. When her dad died, her mom moved to Greensboro, NC where she and her sister assisted in operating a boarding house. She later worked at Blue-Bell Factory; making jeans. Work was hard and production was necessary. After hard days of work she would come home and work at the boarding house. In 1937, she became acquainted with the Seventh Day Adventist Church. After much prayer and study, she was baptized as a member. She stated, "The day I was baptized and gave my heart to the Lord was the happiest day of my life." She became one of the original members of the 1 established SDA church in Greensboro. After baptism she and her brother did missionary outreach. Her humble deeds were blessed. She and her brother Tom gave Bible studies to a "Max Ritchie" - He became a leading Evangelist/Pastor in the CarolinaTennesseeGeorgia Conferences. Thousands were brought to Christ through his ministry. Pastor Ritchie was influential in the baptism of Pastor Joe Crews, the founder of Amazing Facts. A few years later she married my dad, Willie M. McCranie. Two years later, I was born. Life took the family back to Statesville. Mom and dad struggled for employment. Since mom worshiped on Saturday, as the Sabbath, she was frequently denied employment. While in Statesville she worked at Iredell Hospital, Dillions, and Flexnit; here she met a wonderful employer who assured her she would always have a job without Sabbath work. Her mate, my dad, died when he was 39. She was left to carry on. Mom and I lived with grandma and cared for her. During this time she attended Statesville SDA Church. Later mom re-located to Takoma Park, MD. Struggles came and went, but she had continuous employment at Washington Adventist Hospital; worked in Central service, housekeeping, and sewing room. She attended Sligo SDA Church, and Reaching Hearts. For many years she lived with Robert and me. She played an important role in raising our son, Robert Willie. She enjoyed church, friends, traveling everywhere, sewing, reading, crafts, and good food - especially tomatoes. Although she lived a long and good life, death has a terrible sting for those who loved her. She will now sleep until Jesus comes. Mother leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Margie King and son in law Robert J.; grandson Robert W and wife Carol and extended nieces and nephews. Services for mom will be conducted 2:00PM Sunday, April 27, 2014, in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Tim Cove officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Grove SDA Cemetery. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 until 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Mother had a passion for this cemetery and desired its continued maintenance. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Statesville SDA Cemetery Fund, 2429 E. Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.