Eunice Johnson Craft, 101, formerly of Augusta Street in Covington and Scott Hill Retirement Home in Clifton Forge went to be in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 29, 2020.
Eunice was a patient at the Brian Center Rehabilitation Center in Low Moor when she went to her eternal home.
Eunice was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on March 1, 1919 and was the daughter of the late Thomas Riley and Grace Taylor Johnson and also the late stepmother Rena Lambert Johnson.
On September 11, 1948 Eunice married Harry Coolidge Craft They enjoyed 58 years together in marriage before Harry preceded her in death on April 21, 2006.
She was a member of Calvary Christian Church in Covington. There she worked with the youth group, taught Sunday school, taught Bible School, cooked for Homecoming dinners and was locally somewhat famous for her Angel Rolls. She loved and was devoted and faithful to her church family. Over the years she served as a caregiver for other members of her family and also worked with the Cub and Girl Scouts plus was active in any school activities her children, Larry and Bonnie, were involved in.
“Nannie” as she was known to many devoted her life to her family and friends. Cooking was a passion for her and on holidays everyone was welcomed to the Craft home for a delicious meal. Until the decline in her health limited her abilities Eunice loved to stay in contact with family and friends via letters and the telephone.
Eunice was the last surviving member of her original immediate family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She was also preceded by one son, Harry Allen Craft, two brothers, James and Earl Johnson, three sisters, Alice Lawhorn(Jessie), Catherine Shifflett(Lynn), and Margarite Varner(Richard). Also she was preceded by four stepsisters, Nellie Knighton(Robert), Alice Lockhart(Bob), Virginia(Ginny) Oliver(Sidney), and Gladys Staton(David). Eunice was also preceded by one grandson, Tyler Gene Lodge.
Survivors include one son, Larry Craft and wife Ruthie, one daughter, Bonnie Sue Worley and husband John, one granddaughter, Holly Achey, three grandsons, Jonathan Craft and wife Paige, Benjamin Craft, and Matthew Lodge and wife Jennifer. Matthew(Matt) was babysat by Nannie from birth and in her later years he in turn took care of his Nannie until her passing. She is also survived by one great grandson, Lucas Craft, and one great granddaughter, Mila Lodge. Mila’s drawings were a treasure to Eunice. Additionally Eunice is survived by her sister in law, Opal Divers. Gene Lodge was viewed by Eunice as a son and he was a very special person to her who was always there for her when she needed him.
Eunice loved her pastor and dear friend Mike Warren and his wife Renee. She also loved their daughter Ashley and their granddaughter McKinley. She treasured going to their home for meals and going out with them to get ice cream and also enjoyed sitting in the rocking chair on their porch. She viewed Mike and his family as more than pastor and family, she considered them all dear friends.
While at Scott Hill Eunice developed special relationships with 2 of her caregivers. Susan Nicely and Sue Kirk were very close to Eunice and she enjoyed her time with both of them.
A funeral service will be held at 3pm on Sunday, November 1, in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with Reverend Mike Warren conducting the service.
The family will receive friends In the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home beginning one hour prior to the funeral service at 2pm.
Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jonathan Craft, Benjamin Craft, Darrell Crawford, Thomas Oliver, Roger Oliver, Clyde Selman, Sonny Thompson, and Gary Waddell.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of Calvary Christian Church.
Memorial donations can be made to Calvary Christian Church, 1329 South Pond Avenue, Covington, Virginia 24426.
The Virginian Review has been serving Covington, Clifton Forge, Alleghany County and Bath County since 1914.
