Doris Ann Crank Daniels, affectionately known by her family as Andee, transitioned to her Heavenly home on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Doris was born on April 6, 1943, to Will and Mattie Gaston Crank in Gastonia, NC.

A proud Highland Rams graduate (Class of 1961), she served as a Girl Scout, Vice President of NHA and was Homecoming Queen. She went on to study initially at Elizabeth City State University then later graduated from Shaw University with a degree in Sociology. Driven by her love for children, Doris earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential which afforded her the opportunity to teach preschool, lead Head Start classrooms in Salisbury and China Grove, NC, before a stint as a Regional Director for Head Start of Monmouth County (NJ). Doris was also a Case Manager for the Pathways-My House Program, in Gastonia, and in her later years she was a substitute teacher for Gaston County Schools and voting poll worker.

Doris was a faithful member of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Gastonia since her youth and served in many capacities, including Sunday School Teacher and Constitution & Bylaws Committee Member, but her most prized role was as a member of the Mount Calvary Hymn Choir.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Helen Hudson, Barbara Rhem, and Cozette Quamina as well as her brothers, William Gaston, James “Sonny” Crank, Excell Crank, and Paul Crank.

She is survived by her devoted daughter and caregiver, Shawna, her son, Scott (Jessica), her sister - Edna “Billie” Daniels (Freddie) of Long Branch, NJ and one brother - Jimmie Crank (Christiana) of Newark, NJ along with her three grandchildren Alexi Rayana, Abe Alex, and Ohene; her former husband, Abe Daniels of Salisbury, NC; and her Godmother, Mrs. Lillian Pryor Williams of Gastonia. Although all of her family was important to her, she shared a very special bond with her niece, Debbie Johnson of Neptune, NJ. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Doris touched many individuals and played a special role in their lives, far too many to list.

“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes; because for those who love with their souls, there is no such thing as separation” -Rumi

Memorial service on Friday; May 19, 2023 at the funeral home at 12:30 with thirty minute visitation (12 noon)