Florence Viola Crane Rains, age 98, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

A funeral service celebrating her remarkable life will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. The service will honor the grace, devotion, and strength with which she lived her life.

Born with a quiet strength and a heart for serving others, Florence dedicated her life to faith, family, and community. In 1942, she married the love of her life, Denver C. Rains. Shortly after their wedding, Denver was deployed during World War II. Florence remained in Boaz, Alabama, where she worked and faithfully awaited his return. In 1954, they built a home filled with love and joy, raising their two daughters together. When Denver tragically passed away in 1962, Florence faced the challenge of raising her daughters alone. With steadfast love and faith, she provided a nurturing, stable, and spiritually rich home for her family.

Florence had a deep and abiding love for children. For over four decades, she worked at Kiddie Corral, where she formed lifelong bonds with the many children and families she lovingly cared for. After Kiddie Corral closed, she continued her vocation at First Baptist Day Care, retiring at the age of 80. Even in her later years, countless now-grown "kids" remembered Mrs. Rains fondly and often asked about her, a testament to her enduring impact on their lives.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Denver C. Rains; her parents, Jack and Lucy Crane; her son-in-law, David Bruce; her sisters, Evelyn Wood and Vola Shirey; and her brother, Austin Crane.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted daughters, Karen (Rick) Shockley and Rebecca Bruce; her granddaughter whom she adored, Katie (Scott) Brackett; and two great-grandsons, Blake DeVine and Evan Kell, who were the light of her life. She also leaves behind step-grandchildren Eric (Angela) Shockley and Eli (Casey) Shockley; step-great-grandchildren Payton, Emma, Coleman, and Leah Shockley; many nieces and nephews.

Thanks to her dear friend, Sylvia Isbell, who shared countless conversations with Florence and often cooked for her - especially her favorite sweet potatoes.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Susan and Sarah of Southern Care New Beacon Hospice for their exceptional compassion and care during Florence's final weeks.

Florence will be laid to rest at New Harmony Cemetery in Albertville, Alabama. No graveside service will be held.

Her legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering love will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.