Elise Mccracken

Waynesville, Elise Williams McCracken, 83, passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2011. She was born July 28, 1927, in Tallulah Falls, Georgia to Robert Samuel Williams and Lula Jordan Williams. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert S. Williams and Clarence A. Williams. She graduated from Tallulah Falls School, attended the University of Georgia at Dahlonega and was a graduate of Western Carolina University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education. She moved to Waynesville for her first teaching job at Maggie Valley Elementary School. Elise continued teaching elementary education for many years in Haywood County at other schools including Bethel, Central and Hazelwood. After her elementary teaching days she served as principal of the sixth grade at Waynesville Junior High School. She was later offered the position of Supervisor of the Elementary Schools in Haywood County. This position required the candidate to hold a Masters Degree so Elise once again returned to Western Carolina where she earned her Masters of Arts in Education in 1971. She served as the Supervisor of Elementary Schools until her retirement. Elise truly loved her work and sincerely cared for each and every student and family whose lives she touched. When not being a wife, mother and school teacher/administrator, Elise found time to be an active member and tireless volunteer at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville and continued her spiritual growth over the years as a member of the Asbury Bible Class. In her personal time she could be found working in the yard planting flowers and going to antique auctions with her girlfriends. She loved the beach and the warmth of the sunshine on her skin. Elise was known for her graciousness, cooking and southern charm. Elise is survived by her wonderful husband of 64 years, Harry B. McCracken, residing in Waynesville. One son, Harry B. McCracken Jr. and his wife Mary Jane, two grandsons, Harry B. McCracken III and Ross L. McCracken of Cary, NC and one sister Julie Barron of Cornelia, GA. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2011 in the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Dr. Weaver H. McCracken, III officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Harry B. McCracken, III, Ross L. McCracken, Tom and Kenny Liner, Steve Cline and Terry Painter. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. prior to services. Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 102358 Atlanta GA 30309.

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