Marie Butler McCracken, age 91, died on March 16, 2023, after a brief illness.
Marie was born in Spindale, North Carolina, and attended Appalachian State Teachers' College (now Appalachian State University) in Boone, NC, where she met Donald McCracken, who became her husband of nearly 64 years. After spending over 27 years in Raleigh, NC, Marie and Don moved back to their beloved North Carolina mountains (Ashe County); Marie then relocated to the Presbyterian Community of South Carolina's retirement facility in Clinton, SC, after Don's death.
With her forceful personality and deep sense of humor, Marie touched the lives of many others, particularly young people, through her children and their friends; her work as a teacher in Raleigh; and her involvement in the Presbyterian churches wherever she lived.
She is survived by 3 daughters - Gay Murphy (Gary) of Cary, NC; Jo Balcome (Thom) of Raleigh, NC; and Donna Hines (Frank) of West Jefferson, NC - and one son, Mike McCracken (Jennifer) of Laurens, SC. Also surviving her are several nieces and one nephew, 8 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.
The family is deeply grateful to the staff of Presbyterian Community of Clinton for their wonderful care during her time there and especially in the final weeks of her life.
Memorial services in Clinton, SC, and West Jefferson,, NC, are being arranged.
Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the McCracken Family with services.