Marlene Rankin, age 89, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, at Wendover Hospice, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on April 27, 1936, in Cleveland County, Marlene was the daughter of the late Osborne Lee and Susan Lee. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

Marlene dedicated many years of service to Crest Middle School, where she worked in the library and faithfully greeted students and parents each morning in the car drop-off line. She became a bright and welcoming presence, someone children and families looked forward to seeing each day.

Marlene truly had a heart of gold. She treated everyone she met like family, and her kindness made her deeply loved by all who knew her. Following her retirement, Marlene cherished spending time with her family and friends. She especially adored her grandsons and found immense joy in being part of their lives. In every way that mattered, she gave them the world.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles "Chuck" H. Rankin, Sr.; her son, Charles Hillis Rankin, Jr.; her sister, Joan Moore; and her brother, Charles Lee.

She is survived by her son, David Rankin and wife, Denise; her grandsons, Matthew Rankin and Michael Rankin and wife, Nicole; her great-granddaughters, Kinsley Rankin and Chloe Rankin; her sister, Eunice Bretthauer; and her brother, Terry Lee and wife, Julie.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of White Oak of Shelby, Cleveland Regional Hospital, and Wendover Hospice for the compassionate care they provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wendover Hospice of Cleveland County.

A service to celebrate Marlene's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 30, 2026, in the chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory, officiated by Rev. Bulo Price. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park.

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family.