Elaine Crane

Sylvia Elaine Duckett Crane, better known as “Mama E,” 82, of Mineral Bluff, passed away peacefully June 21, 2021.

Elaine was born January 1, 1939, in Vinings, Georgia, where she lived until she went to Valdosta State, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi. She moved back home when she met Jim, and they moved to Bogart, Georgia, after getting married. Elaine worked in the University of Georgia ticket office as the supervisor, where she retired after 35 years. She was loved by her coworkers and patrons. After retirement, Elaine and Jim moved to a cabin in Mineral Bluff where they enjoyed the mountain life together until Jim’s death in 2009.

Several years later, Elaine reunited with her college sweetheart, Ben Force, who was also widowed. Elaine will be remembered as a loving, kind, patient, hardworking, generous and gentle soul.

Elaine was preceded in death by parents, James and Florence Duckett; brothers, James Jr. and Noah Duckett; sister, Virginia Parnell; and husband, Jim Crane.

She is survived by her children, Mark (Susan) Crane of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, and Ginger (Lamar) Evans of Blue Ridge; grandchildren, Ashley Smith of Mineral Bluff, Dell Evans of Blue Ridge; and her “sweetie pie,” Ben Force, of Thomasville, Georgia.

The family would like to thank caregivers Linda Pagel, Teresa Krul and Bethany Wilson for their care and dedication.

A celebration of life was held at Lord and Stephens West in Athens, Georgia, Saturday, June 26, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. The family encouraged everyone in attendance to wear red and black to the funeral home. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.

Akins Funeral Home, of Blue Ridge was in charge of local arrangements.