Joyce Crane

Joyce Green Forgey Crane, 84, died on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at the home of her son in Fort Oglethorpe after a lengthy battle with cancer. Joyce was a native of Chattanooga/North Georgia where she lived for 50 years. She also lived in the Columbia, Tenn., area for almost 30 years moving back to Rossville five years ago. From her birth to her death she nourished the people around her with love. She was the Matriarch of the family and the "glue" that held them all together. She was mother, father, sister, counselor and confidant to her family. Joyce grew up in the East Lake area of Chattanooga and attended Kirkman High School before marrying and starting a family. Upon the tragic death of her husband John Forgey she found herself with three kids all 7 years old and under with no skills nor resources. She still managed to provide for her family by working at Dupont while attending the Erlanger School of Nursing and upon graduating started her life long career as a nurse. She worked 15 years at Erlanger in the Emergency Department and another 8 years at Maury County Hospital in Columbia Tenn. She took care of everyone despite working two jobs most of the time. She cared for her elderly parents and her sick family members. Hers was a life of service and she took very little time for herself. What she enjoyed most was spending time with family and cooking. She loved to play cards (Rook) and everyone wanted to be her partner because she was the best. Joyce is survived by her husband of 40 years, Ronnie Crane; her sons, Gary Forgey (Carolyn) and Roger Forgey (Karen), Randy Williams (Laura); her brother, Danny Green; her cousin and lifelong best friend, Peggy Taleff; her grandchildren, Rob Forgey (Lindsay), Lisa Forgey, Daniel Kelley (Kristy), Tyler Kelley, Dave Oaks (Jessica), Jeremy Forgey, Matt Forgey, Del Smith (Layna), Donnee Gurrola; 10 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her beloved Shitzu Rascal. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Russell Green and Roxie (Ensley) Green; her first husband, John Forgey; her daughter, Brenda Forgey Smith Lawson; her brothers, John, Jim, Robert, Terry and Bill; and her sisters, Shirley, June and Bobbie. Services will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home (Wallis-Stewart Chapel) in Ringgold, Ga. Visitation will be today, May 8, from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel at 11 a.m. Friday, May 9, with the Rev. Jerry Hullender presiding.