FRANKLIN - Myra Crawford Patton entered into eternal life on Nov. 22, 2021, two days before her 87 birthday. Myra was born to the late Eugene and Mary Crawford in Cartoogechaye community into a home filled with love. Her childhood included playing with her special cousins and sisters and enjoying a love of nature that she held into her adult life. She loved wildflowers and birds and spent many hours working in her flowers and walking in nature.
Myra graduated from Franklin High, Brevard College, and Western Carolina. She initially worked in the business world but soon decided to follow her love of children into teaching. She taught in Charlotte and Marietta, Georgia, before returning to her beloved mountains to teach first grade at Cartoogechaye. Myra’s love of children translated into a classroom of encouragement and acceptance and interesting lessons. She even had part of a wall removed so her students could go outside into an enclosed area for exploring science and measurement.
Myra believed those gifted with teaching should use that gift for God’s glory and she taught Sunday School for many years. She was a humble person who gave selflessly of her time to the church. She worked with children’s programs, served as church treasurer and participated in activities at the Western North Carolina United Methodist Church Conference level alongside her husband Erwin. She and Erwin purchased chimes for Patton Church which have brought joy to the community for many years.
Myra was an encourager who looked for the best in those around her. She encouraged pastors, ministry students, fellow teachers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, and anyone she recognized as needing kindness. Her wry and teasing humor will also be missed.
Myra was generous with her time as well as her possessions. Nothing made her happier than giving to others. When family visited she always gave something before they left. She literally gave the shirt off her back several times! Myra loved learning about family history and completed hours of research and interviews to compile stories about the history.
Myra was preceded in death by her parents, husband Erwin, sister Una and husband Ed Setser, and several cousins. She is survived by her sister Mysa and husband Al Mathews, sister Jean and husband Walt Swainey, and dearly loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and special cousins. Myra supported all her family members as hers and showed them often that she loved them.
The family is thankful for the care Myra received while at The Franklin House.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Myra’s memory to Kids Place, 330 W. Main Street, Franklin, NC. 28734, kidsplacecac.org, or Mt. Zion Cemetery Fund, 151 Valley Lane, Franklin, NC 28734 c/o Kathy Tinsley. Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.