Joan Cranston Obituary

Joan Ellen (Stutzka) Cranston, 86, passed away peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Magnolia Bridge in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Joan was born on August 13, 1939, to Anna Virginia (Brannan) and Raymond Wilbur Stutzka in Baltimore, where she was raised and lived until she relocated with her husband, the late Edward (Ned) William Cranston, Jr., to Murrells Inlet, S.C. in 2013. Joan graduated from Towson High School in 1957, marrying Ned in a loving bond that lasted for 62 years. She later worked as a bank teller for over 30 years. Joan loved to read, travel nationally and internationally, and all things Disney. Our family would like to extend a deep appreciation to the staff at Magnolia Bridge, and everyone who has provided care to Joan these last few years. As a family, we will be forever grateful for the support and kindness shown. Joan was a devoted mother to her son, Rev. Dr. Jeff (Darlene) Cranston of Bluffton, S.C., and her daughter, Mrs. Kelly (Wayne) Weigandt of Myrtle Beach, S.C., who always felt her deep love and support. Joan was preceded in death by her brother, David Stutzka, and is survived by her sister, Pat Watts, of Hanover, PA.; her grandchildren Tiffany (Bryan) Coker of Central, S.C., Lauren (Ryan) Kelly of Charlotte, N.C., Corey (Kari) Weigandt of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., Christian (Brittany) Weigandt of Holly Springs, N.C., Emily (Devin) Solberg of Greenville, S.C., and Carrie (Chandler) Bingham of Angier, N.C.; her great-grandchildren Callie, Cade, Colt, Charley, Laney, Kendall, Leighton, Bowman, Everett, Mabel, Gemma, Callen, and Kaia. The immediate family will remember Joan in a private memorial service. Family and friends are invited to gather for the internment at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens in Timonium, MD., on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Joan Cranston to Lowcountry Community Church of Bluffton, S.C. Low Country Community Church 801 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton, SC 29910. Cremation Services Direct (843-651-1194) of Myrtle Beach is assisting the family with arrangements. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan Ellen Cranston, please visit our floral store.