Patsy Chamberlain Craig

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), 22 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 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Batesville, with Rev. Justin Ledbetter officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Roller Crouch Funeral Home, in Batesville. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/batesville.