Deborah McAbee Crane

Deborah McAbee Crane, 72, of Gastonia, NC, passed away on May 26, 2026 at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Born August 12, 1953 in Kings Mountain, NC, she was the daughter of the late William Brooks "Mac" McAbee and Mary Helen Melton McAbee. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Richard Crane, son Damon Patrick Crane, and stepbrother Dennis McAbee.

Deborah graduated from Kings Mountain High School and then began a fulfilling career as a floral designer. Her penchant for floral arrangements was a form of artistry, and she shared that God-given gift with others as often as she could. She owned and operated City Florist on Ozark Ave. in Gastonia for many years, and retired as the managing floral designer at BI-LO. Deborah was extremely talented in many other areas as well, including cooking, baking, and sewing. In every effort, she was not satisfied with anything less than perfection. Her attention to detail and eye for beauty inspired many wonderful creations, such as bridal bouquets, elaborate corsages, innumerable sewn projects, and jaw-dropping wedding cakes that were more impressive than those created in dedicated bakeries by professionals.

Deborah spent a lifetime devoted to her family. As the oldest, she took charge in helping to raise and nurture her younger siblings, and continued to serve as a family cornerstone into her adult years. To her children, she was an angel: a strong, reliable mother who was always there for them. She adored her grandchildren and great-grands, cherishing the time she spent with them. Always quick to take care of those around her, Deborah was known to many of her children's friends, her nieces and nephews, and even to some of her younger coworkers simply as "Mama."

Deborah loved sweets and treats and her favorite drink was Diet Sun Drop. She enjoyed trips to Myrtle Beach and Holden Beach with her family. She will be remembered for the love she showed and the passion for her gifts that she shared with others throughout her lifetime.

SURVIVORS: Daughter: Nikki Crane (Ken Adams) of Gastonia

Siblings: Keith McAbee (Brenda) and Angie McAbee, all of Gastonia, Sonya McAbee Gregory (Jeff) of Shelby, NC, and Shan McAbee Eaves (Howard) of Bessemer City, NC.

Grandchildren: Brittani Nicole Bolding (Randall Jones) of Crowders Mountain, NC, and Kaela Thompson of Gastonia

Great-Grandchildren: Daemon Maldoando, Myles Crane, and Brooks Jones

Deborah is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, June 1, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Pastor Dennis Pruitt officiating

VISITATION: Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. in the Parlor at Harris Funeral Home

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM

ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA