Lynn Cantrell Guerrant

(Durham) - Lynn Cantrell Guerrant, age 69, a devoted wife and mother, passed away at home in Durham, North Carolina on Friday, September 1, 2023. She was born on September 1, 1954 in Cleveland City, Mississippi to the late Bert and Anne (Thomas) Cantrell.

Lynn graduated with honors with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ole Miss in Jackson, Mississippi in 1975. After marrying her first husband they moved to California, where Lynn earned a Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of California at San Francisco. She welcomed her son, Brian (Murray), in 1978, and later that year moved to Germany where the Department of the Army commended her for meritorious service in the alcohol treatment and substance abuse program for active duty military.

After returning to Mississippi, Lynn established a cardiac rehabilitation program at Hinds General Hospital in Jackson. In 1981, she met the love of her life, Steve Guerrant and they married on April 10, 1982. Lynn and Steve welcomed their daughter, Emilie, the following year. Lynn was active in her community and served as an officer for the Jackson Jaycees. Eight years later, they moved the family to Durham, North Carolina, where Lynn served for more than 30 years as a Healthcare Administrator for various organizations including UNC Healthcare, Access Care, Davita Dialysis, R1, and the Raleigh Durham Medical Group. She was a Registered Nurse for nearly 50 years and acted as a mentor to many professionals, coaching others through life’s major milestones.

Lynn’s most treasured times were with her precious grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jackson. She shared her love for history and tradition by taking annual trips to Colonial Williamsburg making the past come alive with her storytelling. Disneyworld and Mexico were frequent destinations for family fun and bonding. Christmas eve would never be complete without her reading of “The Littlest Angel.” She passed along her love to the next generation by knitting blankets, booties, hats, and other items for all of the newest additions to her community.

Affectionately known by many as “Mama Lynn,” her southern hospitality came out in the form of preparing great food, favorite cocktails, and welcoming everyone into her home. She selflessly cared for others, always putting the needs of her friends and family above her own. She was quick to take on any challenge making sure others had every opportunity to succeed, even homeschooling her granddaughter during the pandemic. As a woman of faith, she led both local youth groups and vacation bible school, and was trained as both a Stephen Minister and a Certified Life Coach.

Lynn was an avid reader, bridge player and had recently developed her skills at mahjong. Her favorite place to spend time was her vacation home at Lake Gaston either sitting outside on the porch with her fur babies, Sophie and Nikki, or cruising the lake on the pontoon boat. She also enjoyed traveling with her friends and family throughout the world from Hawaii to Spain and everywhere in between.

Lynn is survived by her husband of 41 years, Steve Guerrant, her son, Brian (Chris) Murray-Perry, her daughter, Emilie (Brian) Lamb, her grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jackson Lamb, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Anne Cantrell, and her brother, Kent Cantrell.

Services will be held at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, 1113 West Main Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701, on September 9th, 2023. There will be a public visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with services to follow immediately after in the chapel. A private interment will be held for the family at a later time.

In addition to flowers, memorials may be made in Lynn’s name to the Durham Rescue Mission, (P.O.Box 11858, Durham NC 27703).