Marguerite Estelle French Cranford, 90, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of
Thursday, February 2, 2023 surrounded by her family.
Marguerite was born in Malvern, Arkansas on May 4, 1932, to Clyde and Alma Pollard French.
The youngest of three daughters, she attended Malvern public schools and was a lifelong resident
of Hot Spring County. On May 6, 1950, she was married to Russell Loyd Cranford. Their
marriage endured for more than 67 years until his passing in March, 2018. Marguerite, above all
was a loving wife and mother to her three children but also worked for French's LP Gas, Sears &
Roebuck, the Hot Spring County Judge as well as a family tax preparation agency for a number
of years. She was also a licensed real estate agent. She also served as a long-time volunteer at
the Hot Spring County Memorial Hospital (now Baptist Medical Center Hot Spring County).
Marguerite was predeceased by her parents, husband Russell, two sisters, Jean French Foster and
Bobbie French Gibbs as well as her son, James Richard Cranford. She is survived by her son,
Dr. Russell L. Cranford, II (Kathy) of Little Rock, daughter Crystal Cranford (Randy Overton) of
Malvern, grandchildren Shawn R. Cranford (Tiffany) of Little Rock, Russell L. Cranford, III
(Hitomi) of Euless, TX and great grand-children, Joshua, Emma, William, Celia and Lewis
Cranford as well as numerous nieces, nephews and close friends. The family would like to
extend their gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for their care and support in allowing Marguerite to
remain and ultimately pass, in her beloved home of more than seventy years. The family also
extends heart-felt gratitude to her private caregivers, Dena, Dana, Kim and Rachael for their care,
compassion and dedication to Marguerite over the past several years.
In recent days, it was noted by a family member that perhaps Marguerite was holding onto life
awaiting her mother's (known to family as Momma French) birthday, February 2nd, for their
reunion. And so it was. We know today, that even as we who are left behind are grieving, there is
a joyful reunion and celebration in heaven.
"For this perishable body has put on the imperishable; this mortal body has put on immortality.
And now we shall rejoice, for death has been swallowed up in victory. Oh Death, where is your
victory? Oh Death, where is your sting? For it is no more." 1 Corinthians 15
Per her wishes, Marguerite will be cremated and no funeral service will be held. Arrangements
are under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home of Malvern.