of Batesville, AR
October 18, 1928 - October 12, 2016
Patsy Chamberlain Craig passed away peacefully at her home in Batesville, Ark., in the presence of her loving family on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, at age 87. She was born on October 18, 1928, the only child of the late Minnie Lovel and Ray Conn Chamberlain in Newark, Ark. Her early life was spent in the small, close-knit town of Newark, where she was surrounded by a large and loving extended family. Patsy learned that she had a musical gift at an early age and began playing the piano for the Newark Missionary Baptist Church services as a young girl. Her love of music brought joy to her family and friends over the years, for she would eagerly sit down and pound out popular tunes whenever the mood struck her.
Fun-loving by nature, Patsy soon had a host of friends when the family moved from Newark to Batesville, Arkansas, where the Chamberlain's made their home. Excelling in school, she graduated high school at age 16 and entered Arkansas College, now Lyon College, in Batesville. It was while she was a student at Lyon College that she met a fellow student and her future husband, Robert Andrew ''Lit'' Craig, who had just returned home from service in World War II. They soon married and moved to St. Louis, MO, where Robert entered dental school at Washington University. While in St. Louis, Patsy gave birth to their first daughter, Mary. Over the next five years, Patsy and Lit welcomed three more daughters, Carol, Susie and Sarah. The young family moved for a short time to El Dorado, Arkansas, before making Batesville their home, where Robert practiced dentistry for over 40 years.
In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Patsy found time to be involved in her community, her children's schools, and the Batesville Junior Auxiliary. Patsy was a lifelong member of the Batesville First United Methodist Church. She was an avid Batesville Pioneer fan and willingly traveled the state taking her daughters to cheer or dance at Pioneer games. During her daughters' high school years, Patsy opened their home to the girls' friends, making them feel welcome.
Over the years, one of the greatest family pleasures was spending summers on Greer's Ferry Lake. Patsy loved being the chief navigator of their ski boat, donning her special captain's hat for their trips on the lake. She tirelessly spent hours pulling skiers from one end of the lake to the other. Patsy and Lit gave selflessly of their time and energy when it came to entertaining their daughters and their friends, creating a fun family atmosphere. Patsy's sense of humor and boundless energy endeared her to people of all ages, but especially to young people.
After her daughters were off to college, Patsy focused her energy on a successful career in real estate earning numerous professional awards.
Patsy is survived by her husband of 70 years, Robert, and their four daughters, Mary Craig Storey (Bud), of Fayetteville, Ark., Carol Craig Jones (Mike), of Fayetteville, Ark., Susie Craig Carter (Bob), of Batesville, and Sarah Craig, of Batesville. She is also survived by their nine grandchildren, Carol Storey Rogers, Chris Storey Beavers (Jeremy), Jennifer Jones Davis (David), Craig Jones (Amy), Josh Jones, Carrie Carter Davis (Chris), Robert ''Bo'' Carter, James Reynolds, Sarah Lynn Reynolds Wycough (Matt), twenty-two great-grandchildren and a large extended family.
The Craig family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice for their loving care of Patsy these final months and for their devoted service to the family. They also extend a special thanks to Dr. Jordan Weaver and to her loving caregivers: Tracy Clem, Sharon Scott and Terri Collins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to First United Methodist Church of Batesville, Ark., 615 E. Main St., 72501, or to the charity of your choice.
A private burial at Oaklawn Cemetery will be held for Patsy on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church in Batesville, with Rev. Justin Ledbetter officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Roller Crouch Funeral Home, in Batesville.
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12 Condolence(s)
Robert Ford, Jr.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Dear "Lit" and family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Patsy's passing. I was very thankful to visit with Patsy and you in June and to speak with you once again in September shortly after your 70th wedding anniversary. May God comfort and bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
What a good friend you and Patsy have been to my family and me for more than 70 years.
Love,
Robert Ford, Jr. and family
Atlanta, GA and Chicago, IL
Catsy Clinger
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Uncle Lit, Sarah, Mary, Carol, Susie......though physical distance has separated us for many years, I've always held you close in my heart. My memories of our summers - and sometimes our holidays - together are among my dearest and Aunt Patsy was ever a force NOT to be taken lightly. Up and at-it.....or else! But always there when a hug was needed.
Aunt Patsy was there the day my new mother picked me up at the Courthouse, she drove to Newport in the middle of a long ago night to return a homesick kidlin to her parents, she always made me feel I was part of the clan (I got iced too!), and helped teach me that love comes in lots of different forms.
So many lives she touched and made better; so many wonderful memories that will keep her alive in so many hearts. I will always thank God she was part of my life. We were all so very blessed to have been a part of hers.
Mary Jo Shivey
Friday, October 14, 2016
Sarah, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family for the loss of Patsy. She was certainly a guiding light for so many of us.
Gary Mize
Friday, October 14, 2016
Dr. Craig and family, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to all of you for the loss of Ms. Patsy. She was such a sweet and endearing lady and we were certainly blessed for having known her. Gary and Debbie Mize
LaToya Johnson
Friday, October 14, 2016
To the family and friends of Patsy Craig, I would like to express my deepest and heartfelt condolences. I am truly sorry for the lost that your family is feeling. Experiencing the lost of a beloved family member is one of the hardest things that any of us can go thru. And because of this my thoughts and prayers are with your family. During this extremely difficult time, please turn to God for comfort and support. He promise your family the strength needed in order to endure this great lost. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) Something else that can bring your family comfort, is cherishing the wonderful memories that you have of Mrs. Patsy. These precious memories will console the family in the day's ahead.
Ann Justiss
Friday, October 14, 2016
My sincere condolences to your family. I loved her smile.
Connie Townsley
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Jerry and I are so sorry for your loss. I got to know Patsy when she was in the real estate business. We always loved Patsy. She was so charming and just a joy to be around. She was certainly a special lady.
Glenda and Marcus
Thursday, October 13, 2016
I was drawn to Patsy from the day I met her in 1982. Of course, Marcus knew her forever. She was a precious soul and a super sales woman. I will miss her beautiful face and laughter. Prayers to all the family.
George Cavaness
Thursday, October 13, 2016
My condolences to the family.
Bobby and Tracy Rutherford
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Craig family. We will miss Aunt Patsy".
Theresa Morris
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Dr. "Lit" Craig, Mary, Susie, Carol, Sarah and all the extended family:
Patsy was such a sweet, personable, and caring person...a character in her own right! So many memories of her chauffeuring all of us girls around town before we could drive ourselves, letting us gather in the den playing music and dancing, all the time never complaining. She was right there for us all.
Years later, she was such a special friend to Lon while working together in real estate. She showed much respect for his opinions.
Patsy will be remembered by many for her bubbling personality, her laugh, and her accomplishments in life, but most of all, as a much loved wife, mother, and grandmother who will be missed dearly by her family, I am certain.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Much love,
Theresa
Tami Lovell Duckworth
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Aunt Patsy,
We love you and will keep you in our hearts always!
â¤ï¸Tam