Fannie Lucille Menscer Rayson

Fannie Lucille Menscer Rayson, 95, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at NOVANT HEALTH, following a brief period of declining health.

Born June 23, 1922 in Statesville, she was a daughter of the late Thomas Homer Menscer and Ottie Lelia Millsap.

Mrs. Rayson left her home in Kannapolis, during WWII, moving to Baltimore, MD, where she was employed by Lockheed Corporation (later Lockheed Martin), to help build aircraft for the war effort. During her employment at Lockheed Corporation, she met her husband of 55 years, William “Bill” James Rayson.

They made their home in Baltimore, until her husband’s retirement, which gave them the opportunity to move to the mountains of Fort Loudon, PA, where they thoroughly enjoyed entertaining guests on special occasions and holidays. Mrs. Rayson was a very active member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Fort Loudon, PA, where she was at one time their president. In 2006, she moved to China Grove to be near her family.

She was an active member of Kimball Lutheran Church of Kannapolis until her declining health.

Including her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William “Bill” James Rayson; sisters, Lethan Olene Sasser, Mary Lou Roof and Rachel Vermell Menscer; brothers, Archie Watts Menscer, Garlin Durette Menscer and Armond “A.L.” Lee Menscer.

She is survived by her sister, Billie Kathryn Menscer Abernethy of Salisbury; her husband’s very special cousin, Penny Kroznuski and husband Ed of Reading, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm Saturday, January 27, 2018, in the Chapel of Lady’s Funeral Home. Pastor John Futterer will officiate.

The visitation is scheduled from 11 to 11:45 am Saturday at Lady's prior to the service.

Burial will be in Fort Loudon, PA at a later date.

Memorials to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.