Mary Francis Crandall

Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven Mrs. Mary Francis Crandall, 84, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Baptist Desoto of Southaven, Mississippi. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven (626 Star Landing Rd. East, Southaven, Mississippi, 38672). A burial will follow on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery (4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Memphis, Tennessee, 38125). Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Mary was born on September 30, 1941, in Missouri to the late Edwin and Gladys Beckham Grimes. She learned the values of grit, resilience, and integrity from a young age, growing up on a farm where her father worked as a sharecropper. Those early years built a strong work ethic that defined her entire life. A gifted blend of sharp intelligence and practical common sense, she was a lifelong learner and a determined force. While working full-time during the day, she sacrificed her evenings to earn her Associate Degree – A proud milestone that reflected her drive and determination. Above all, Mrs. Mary was a fine Christian woman with a true servant’s heart. She anchored her life in Jesus Christ and made it her life’s mission to introduce her family to Him, passing down a rich legacy of love and beautiful Christian values. Her heart was also a sanctuary for all animals. From her childhood days on the farm throughout her adult life, she loved and cared for creatures of every kind, no matter the type, situation, or circumstance. If an animal needed help, she was there to provide a safe haven. For 48 wonderful years, Mrs. Mary walked hand-in-hand with the love of her life Mr. Randolph. As a dedicated veteran’s wife, she embraced a life on the move, always adapting and finding meaningful work wherever her husband’s military service took them after 1978. In every community they called home, she brought warmth, capability, and an eager readiness of the hardship or task. Mrs. Mary loved her family more than anything in the world. Her kindness, strength, and steady faith will forever remain a beacon of light for all who were blessed to know her. She is survived by her husband, Randolph C. Crandall of Southaven, Mississippi; her son, Steven Gray of Southaven, Mississippi; her granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Araujo (Luis); her great-granddaughter, Leia Araujo; her sister, Christine Bishop (Dale); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly. Mrs. Mary is preceded in death by her loving parents, Edwin Grimes and Gladys Beckham; her sister, Dorothy Wilson; and her brother, Edward George Grimes. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Mrs. Mary’s lifelong passion for animal rescue, Donations may be made in her memory to the Humane Society of Desoto County (7122 Stateline Rd, Olive Branch, Mississippi, 38654). Online condolences may be left on her Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhomesh.com.

Mary Francis Crandall

September 30, 1941 - July 14, 2026

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