Ada Shipman Crane

Ada Shipman Crane, 82, of Transylvania County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, at The Lodge at Mills River, North Carolina. Born at home in the community of Little River in Transylvania County on March 1, 1944, Ada was the daughter of the late Luther William Shipman and Julia Lee Shipman. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Joe Charles Crane; father-in-law, Charles Crane; mother-in-law, Lenora Owen Crane; step-mother-in-law, Dollie Rathbone Crane; brother, Tommy Lee Shipman; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Crane, David Crane, Milford Hubbard, Elwood Cassell; sisters-in-law, Helen Hubbard and Dixie Cassell.

Ada attended Strauss Elementary School and was the first in her family to graduate Brevard High School in 1962. Born with a strong work ethic, Ada started her career as a housekeeper at Hart’s Boarding House in Little River where she walked a mile each way to work when she was 12 years old. After graduation, she worked as a machine operator and supervisor at Ecusta for 39 years. Upon retirement, she continued to pursue other career interests including operating the Cobb Webb Sister’s cleaning business with her niece, Karen Lambert, managing Big Branch Cabins, LLC Vacation Rentals, and operating a cattle farm with her nephew, Nick Lambert.

Ada was also known for her commitment to her church, Carson Creek, where she was a member since 1963. There her culinary gifts were enjoyed by many as she readily volunteered to coordinate meals for those in need, helped prepare meals during their bible school outreach, and served in the children’s nursery. Ada also was known for the spiritual gift of encouragement. With this gift, she seemed to always know the right words to encourage others and uplift their spirit. In addition, Ada had many diverse interests that kept her busy in her spare time. She was a member of the Order Of The Eastern Star, an avid antique collector, a frequent visitor at Highland Book Store in Brevard, and an amateur interior decorator, but if you asked her, Martha Stewart couldn’t hold a candle to her talents.

She is survived by her son Dale Crane (Jennie); daughter Charlene Cali (Chris); granddaughters, Cassidee Cali, Crista Milligan (Luke); great grandson Grady Milligan; sister, Darlene Gillespie (Larry); brother, William Shipman (Diane); sister-in-law, Linda Shipman; nephews, Luther Shipman (Missy), Justin Shipman, Ronnie Hubbard (Shirley), Maurice Cassell, John Cassell; nieces; Teresa Bryson (Vernon), Missy Brock (Jason), Elaine Hauss (Wilson), Crystal McCall (Ernie), Angela Tilley, and Karen Lambert (Nick) and numerous great nieces and great nephews that she loved dearly.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Carson Creek Baptist Church starting at 12 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. with Rev. Roger Smith officiating. The graveside service and final resting place will follow at Big Hill Cemetery.

Ada’s favorite color was red. She could often be seen wearing something red along with her signature red lipstick. The family requests that if you can, please wear something red to the service in her honor…tie, socks, shoes, lipstick, fingernail polish, earrings, necklace, bracelet etc.

**In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either Little River Fire Department or Connestee Fire Department.

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family of Ada Crane.