Betty Cranford Harris

Betty Cranford Harris, aged 80, of Denton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Randolph Hospital surrounded by family. Born in Randolph County on May 9, 1945, she was the cherished daughter of the late Otho Van Cranford and Edna Hardister Cranford.

A proud graduate of Farmer High School in 1963, Betty dedicated her career to the textile industry, working as a folder at Acme-McCrary Corporation in Asheboro. She approached her work with the same dedication and care that she brought to every aspect of her life.

Betty was a woman of many talents and passions. She was known for her green thumb, enjoying the simple pleasure of raking pine needles and nurturing plants. A great cook, she was especially famed for her delicious homemade biscuits and her signature Brown Mountain Cake. Betty took delight in feeding hummingbirds and cherished the Christmas season, joyfully decorating her home to celebrate. Beach trips were another of her favorite pastimes, where she relished in seashell hunting along the shore.

Above all, Betty was deeply devoted to her family. She was a loving wife to her beloved husband of 62 years, Clarence Edward Harris, Sr. Together, they created a home filled with love and support. She is survived by her son, Clarence Edward "Eddie" Harris, Jr., and his wife Brenda; her daughter, Kelly Harris Ritter; and her sister, Teresa Cranford Hamilton, and her husband Jimmy. As a grandmother, she took immense pride in her grandchildren, Samantha Ritter Shupe (Patrick), Shayna Ritter McDaniel (Jordan), and Hali Jordan Vance (Allen), and treasured the joy brought by her great-grandchildren: Brodie Vance, Eliana McDaniel, Riley McDaniel, Serenity McDaniel, and Emily McDaniel. Also by her side was her beloved canine companion, Baby Doll, along with numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Betty is preceded in death by her son-in-law, Roger Dale Ritter, and her brother, Hoyt Cranford. Her legacy of love and warmth will continue to resonate within the hearts of all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on December 10, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Liberty Fellowship Church, where she was a member located at 8165 New Hope Road in Denton, NC, followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM with Rev. Jamie Draughn and Rev. Claudie Harrison officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. At other times the family will be meeting at the residence.

The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Mountain Vista Health Park, Randolph Hospital, and Hospice of Randolph County for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Betty and them.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of Randolph County.

Betty Cranford Harris will be greatly missed, yet her spirit will live on through the memories shared by her family and friends. May she rest in peace.

Briggs Funeral Home is serving the Harris family.