Fannie O. Ashcraft a long-time resident of DeLand died September 15 2009 at the age of 100. She was born in Dellwood NC was raised on a family farm in Maggie Valley NC and enjoyed spending the winter months in Canton NC. Fannie attended UNC for Women in Greensboro NC where she majored in biology. She returned to Canton to begin her teaching career that lasted 34 years during which time she coached girl's basketball for 9 years. Fannie met and married her late husband Emmett S. Ashcraft to whom she was married for 50 years and relocated to Deland in 1949. She then began studying elementary education at Stetson University while at the same time teaching the 5th grade. She then spent 25 years teaching the 1st grade at the Boston Avenue School. In 1955 she received the honor of being the first teacher in the state to have a teacher's aide in the classroom. In 1974 she was nominated by her principal to be named an "Outstanding Teacher in America." Fannie was an active member of the DeLand and Stetson University community. She was also a charter member of the DeLand chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma an educational organization. In 1959 she became a member of PEO. She was also a member of the Stetson Women's Club and created the Summit Club for retired Stetson faculty members. She worked tirelessly over the years raising money for Stetson and created a scholarship that is awarded each year to an outstanding student. Emmett and Fannie were active members of the First Baptist Church of DeLand and could often be found visiting others in need. Fannie is survived by her son John (Peggy) Ashcraft of Ft. Pierce FL; daughter Sarah (Jim) Fillegar of Franklin NC; grandchildren Mike Linda Teresa and David and four great-grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held in the Powell Chapel of First Baptist Church of DeLand on North Woodland Blvd. on Friday September 18th at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to Parkview ALF 735 W. Wisconsin Avenue Deland FL 32720.