Susan "Jane" Wise Crary

Susan “Jane” Wise Crary, 83, of Arapahoe/Oriental, NC and Camp Jo Jane passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Jane was a lifelong resident of Pamlico County, NC. Jane was born in Arapahoe on December 16, 1942, at her family home, to her parents Mr. Leon Leslie “Dunk” Wise and Mrs. Florida Grace Hardison Wise. Jane graduated high school from Pamlico County High School with the class of 1961. Jane worked at Pamlico Community College and retired in 2004.

Jane’s younger years consisted of spending time with her only sibling Beverly “Jo” Wise Watson. As a child, Jane became very fond of chocolate, often getting candy bars from her family’s grocery store. Jane preferred getting a chocolate bar from the store when her mother served fish for dinner! During high school Jane was a Majorette, Bus Driver, and was nominated best in her class for dancing.

Jane and Jo loved to “go dancing” and frequented The Pavilion at Minnesott Beach. Jane went on a boat ride with Mr. John Crary at Minnesott Beach one summer day and Jane married John Hayes Crary on July 29, 1964. Jane had two children with John; Jonathan Hayes Crary and Benjamin Leslie Crary. On January 1, 1988, Jane danced into the New Years on her first date with Sonny Hart. Sonny and Jane have been lifelong companions for nearly 40 years. Jane loved dancing and boating with Sonny.

In Jane’s later years, she enjoyed walking on her pier on Dawson Creek, riding her golf cart at Camp Jo Jane, and spending time with Sonny. Jane also loved visiting with her family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Jane rarely missed a hair appointment during her 83 years, loved chocolate fudge, and enjoyed eating at many local restaurants with Sonny.

Jane was predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Leslie Wise; sister, Jo Watson; and her former husband, John Crary.

Surviving Jane is her lifelong companion, Sonny Hart; son, Jonathan Crary; son, Benjamin Crary and his wife, Johanna; brother-in-law, Kelly Watson Jr; and nephew, Michael Watson; . Surviving Jane are also four grandchildren, Lauren, Tamara, Camron, and Katherine and nine great-grandchildren. 

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 7th at 11:00 am at Paul Cemetery in Arapahoe, NC.