Miss Karen L Cranford, 54, of Salisbury, died Wednesday, April 22, 2015, with her family and friends by her side at Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House in Salisbury.

She was born July 19, 1960, in Rowan County, to Dorothy D. Cranford and the late Jerry B. Cranford. She was a graduate of Davie High School and of Catawba College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in math and computer science. She later attended the University of Alabama where she earned her master’s degree in business administration. She moved to Charlotte and was employed by Bell South (AT&T).  Later, to continue her career with AT&T, she moved to Birmingham, Ala. rising to a management position after 14 years. Moving to Salisbury, she became owner/operator of Cranford Manufacturing.  She then passed all four parts of the NC Public Accounting Boards in one sitting. She then opened her CPA office in Salisbury where she built a thriving business until succumbing to illness. She had many interests.She was beautiful, talented and intelligent. She loved to travel, especially to the beach.  She loved to dance and to act. She acted in plays and commercials in the Charlotte area.  She was religious, a member of Forest Hill Church in Charlotte and was active in churches in Rowan County. She loved the internet and researching and studying a wide range of subjects.

Survivors: her mother, Dorothy D. Cranford; a sister, Pam Whitman (Jimmy); her cat, Heather; and her extended family.

A funeral service was conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 25 at Eaton Funeral Chapel in Mocksville with the Revs. Cameron Kirker, Patrick Marion and Perry Bradshaw officiating. Entombment followed in Rowan Memorial Park. The family received friends Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials: American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro,   27407; Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House, 1229 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, 28144; or church of donor’s choice.

Condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.