Mary Anne Chicelli Cribbs, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 10, 1946, in Plattsburgh, New York, Mary Anne spent most of her life in Lumberton, North Carolina, which she considered home. She moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina in 2017 to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio and Molly Nance Chicelli; her husband of 38 years, Samuel Russell Cribbs; and her sister, Kathy Chicelli Plant. She is survived by her devoted children, Russ Cribbs (Lynn) and Toni Cribbs Carpenter (Hugh); her three adored grandchildren, Jacob Carpenter, Katie Carpenter, and Oliver Cribbs; and her beloved brothers, Anthony Chicelli, David Chicelli, and Danny Chicelli (Robin). She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who lovingly considered her their favorite aunt, along with a wide circle of cherished friends who were like family.

Mary Anne's life was rooted in service, love, and faith. She attended Catholic school in Lumberton, and later attended junior high at St. Joseph Catholic Academy in Pennsylvania before graduating from Lumberton Senior High School in 1964. Shortly after, she began a career with the State of NC working for the Department of Social Services.

A dedicated mother and educator, Mary Anne spent a decade as a third-grade teaching assistant at Allenton School and East Robeson Primary School. In 1986, she transitioned to the Department of Transportation, where she worked at the District office and Resident Engineer's office until her retirement in 1999.

Throughout her life, Mary Anne was committed to her community. She volunteered with the Littlefield High Booster Club, the Allenton Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and served on the Advisory Board for the State Employees Credit Union. She worshiped at St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church in her early years and later actively attended Antioch Baptist Church, where she found joy in Sunday School, visiting shut-ins, and helping with church events.

Mary Anne cared for her husband, Russell, with devotion through many illnesses and faced her own health challenges with strength and grace. She inspired everyone around her—especially the medical staff who witnessed her courage and compassion firsthand.

In retirement, Mary Anne embraced her favorite role as "Nana." Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she never missed an opportunity to make memories with them—especially on beloved family trips to Holden Beach. She was their fiercest cheerleader, always present, always listening, and always offering unconditional love.

Mary Anne's warmth, humor, and thoughtfulness touched everyone she met. She had a unique gift for making others feel seen and special—often with a thoughtful card, a warm hug, or a phone call at just the right time. She never met a stranger, adding new friends with every encounter. She built friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her legacy of kindness lives on in all who knew her.

In honor of Mary Anne's memory and her lifelong love of sending cards, her family invites you to send a card to someone special today—a small gesture she would consider the perfect tribute.

The family is honored receive her many friends and family prior to the service on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 AM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM with Pastor Mark Meadows and Pastor Lennie Regan officiating. Burial will follow at Floyd Memory Gardens, 3720 Old Whiteville Road in Lumberton, NC.