Mary Carol Crain Stone, 84, born May 13th, 1937 in Highlands, NC to Loyde Eldridge Crain and Elsie Leona Vinson. A tough, 4-time cancer survivor, she departed this world in peaceful sleep from complications of dementia on 12/29/2021. It was in this state, early in the morning, innocent and unafraid, she was presented at the Gates of Heaven to claim her mansion that was built for her long ago, in Jesus's name. She loved music, singing, dancing and that is how we see her now in the halls of Heaven, no longer affected by issues that plagued her for so many years. No earthly possession or accomplishment meant more to her than making memories with her 3 boys, 5 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by 2 half-brothers: Joel Crane & Julian Crane, and 1 brother: Dennis Crain, 2 sisters: Ethel Lamb and Patsy Crenshaw. Survivors include brother: Tommy (Rosa) Crain Chicago, Ill, sisters: Edith Putnam Anderson SC and Peggy Carey Honea Path SC. Sons: Ben Stone of Wesley Chapel FL and Gary Stone of Parrish FL, Ted (Jenny) Stone of Homer, Ga. Grandchildren: Chad (JoEllen) Stone, Jamie (Andrew) Leatherman, Kristin (Thad) Horst, Jessica (Dan) Higgins, Michael Stone. Great grandchildren: Emily Leatherman, Kensi Higgins, Heath Higgins, Madeline Stone, Stone Walker Horst, Jonathan Horst and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Carol would to thank the nurses and aides from Compassus Home Hospice System and the private sitters that contributed to her comfort during her going home journey. She would also like to thank the doctors and staff of University Cancer and Blood Center Athens Ga for finding a management program that added the last 5 years to her life, and encourage everyone to donate to the Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia, P.O. Box 49309, Athens, GA 30604. or The American Dementia Association in lieu of flowers.

Family and friends will be able to attend a visitation 10-4 on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at Strickland Funeral Home, Hartwell Ga. Carol has chosen to be cremated and her urn to be interred during a Family Ceremony at Newman's Chapel, Otto NC in May 2022.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.