Doris “Gwen” Cranford Walker Hampton, 84, of Rockwell, passed away Thursday, January 17, 2019 at Liberty Commons Nursing & Rehab in Salisbury, surrounded by family. She was born on March 26, 1934 in Rowan County to the late D.C. Cranford and Ella Holshouser Cranford. She was a graduate of Rockwell High School and worked in Food Service for the Rowan County Public School System for over 22 years.
Gwen was a lifelong member of Rockwell United Methodist Church, was active in the United Methodist Women Group, was a member of the Rockwell Chapter No. 317 of the Eastern Star of North Carolina, and also a member of the East Rowan YMCA. She loved to travel all over the world and enjoyed seeing new places.
Gwen was an avid reader, gardener, and was an excellent cook, who was known for her zucchini bread, oatmeal cookies, and pineapple casserole. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her life and as their “Memaw” she was always there for them. Gwen liked to visit new parks when she traveled and loved her music, especially Elvis Presley.
Gwen will be known as a woman who loved her church, her family, and had a passion for helping others. In addition to her parents, Gwen was preceded in death by her first husband of 44 years, Willie Howard Walker; brother, Tony Cranford; and sister, Odesa Holshouser. Gwen is survived by her husband, Franklin “Dunk” Delano Hampton; daughter, Mitzi (Ronnie) Miller of Rockwell; son, Mark (Patti) Walker of Mocksville; three brothers, Johnny (Jane) Cranford of Atlanta, GA, Chris (Kathy) Cranford of Rockwell, and Tim (Debbie) Cranford of Salisbury; sister-in-law, Shirley Cranford of Salisbury; step-daughter, Delores (Tim) Lackey of Salisbury; step-son, Mike (Donna) Hampton of Faith; two Granddaughters, Stacy (Chris) Miller of Rockwell, and Megan Walker and fiance’ Clint Mast of Garner; three grandsons, Brent Miller of Rockwell, Matthew Walker of New York City, NY, and Michael Walker of Mocksville; great-grandchildren, Cortney Miller, Austin Miller, and Kyleigh Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Sunday January 20, 2019 from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm at Powles Staton Funeral Home in Rockwell. A Graveside Service will be held at 3:00 PM at the Rockwell Cemetery (298 Market St., Rockwell, NC), conducted by Pastor Charlie Curtis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rockwell United Methodist Church (430 E. Main St., Rockwell, NC 28138) Powles Staton Funeral Home of Rockwell is assisting the Hampton family.
Online condolences may be made at www. powlesfuneralhome.com. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Doris Hampton, please visit our Tribute Store.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
