Ellen Crank Brown

A Memorial Service will be held at Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home Chapel, Walters, OK, Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Ellen Bernice (Smith) Crank Brown was born to William Lawrence and Alma Mae (Foster) Smith on October 8, 1943 in Lawton, OK and departed this life in Duncan, OK on April 1, 2026 at the age of 82 years 5 months and 24 days.

Ellen grew up at Walters, OK. She married Jerry Crank and to the union 6 children were born. Jerry preceded her in 1971. She later married Bob Brown and to this union a son was born. Ellen worked at Armstrong’s Variety Store for several years. She eventually moved to Duncan in the 1990’s, working at Gibsons for a time until becoming the caregiver to daughter Venetia Graham.

Ellen loved her grandkids. She was known for taking care of others and was always sending cards for special occasions. She enjoyed talking to sister Bonnie on the phone almost daily and helped make sure Zachary was organized daily. Ellen enjoyed attending church and singing in the choir until her health failed. Her daily routine included several hours of personal Bible study. She loved Jesus so much and was so ready to see Him.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Crank; her parents, W.L. and Alma Smith; 2 sons, Ricky Crank and Willie Crank; her daughter, Venetia Graham; her granddaughter, Amity Graham; 4 brothers, Richard Smith, Donald Ray Smith, Alfred Smith and Jimmy Smith; and 2 sister, Doris Anderson and Betty Wilson.

Survivors include 4 kids, Jerry Crank of Duncan, Shelley Presgrove of Duncan, Zachary Crank of Duncan, OK, and Travis Brown of Oklahoma City; 3 grandchildren, David Graham, Holly McGuire and Payton Presgrove; 9 great grandchildren and 1 on the way; 2 sisters, Annie Wampler of Walters, Bonnie McKinnis and Glenn of Houston, TX; 2 sisters-in-law, Connie Smith and Linda Smith both of Walters; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.