December 26, 2023
Velma Jean Brooks Craft, 77, of Covington, passed peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father on December 26, 2023, at her residence.
She was born February 24, 1946, in Covington, a daughter of the late Frank and Agnes Honaker Brooks. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Jonathan “Jon Jon” Craft; and four sisters, Lucille Markham, Frances Burhenn, Vivian Pendleton, and Mary Barber.
Mrs. Craft worked as a CNA for Americare Plus and privately as a sitter for many years. She was a member of Grace Brethren Church, and she loved serving the Lord. She loved being with her family and loved getting together with family and friends for any occasion. Being a mother to seven children, Velma prided herself on winning the Mother’s Day event at church. As a hobby, she loved collecting angels.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, James R. Craft of Covington; her children, Jimmie (Michelle) Craft of Salem, Jeff (Lois James) Craft of Prince George, Julie (Greg) Downer of Covington, Jacqueline (Trevor) Elkins of Covington, Jason (Missy Byer) Craft of Covington, Joy (Jerry) Hale of Clifton Forge; ten grandchildren, Stephen Craft, Melaina Whitt, Brittney Laws, Brooke Wolfe, Madison Tolley, Sierra Ryder, Lauren Downer, Nathan Craft, Karah Dobson, and Logan Craft; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley and Jay Keith of Hampton; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Barbara Hancock Peters of Roanoke and Christine Hale of Clifton Forge.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Gilliland officiating.
The family will receive their friends on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Arritt Funeral Home.
Interment will be made in Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Friends wishing to send condolences to the family online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com
A livestream of the service will be available at the following link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcwMzcxNjUyMDI4NzU0MyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Visitation
Arritt Funeral Home
December 28, 2023 at 11:00:00 PM
1102 S Highland Ave, Covington, VA, USA
Service
Arritt Funeral Home
December 29, 2023 at 7:00:00 PM
1102 S Highland Ave, Covington, VA, USA
Final Resting Place:
Cedar Hill Cemetery
1521 South Carpenter Drive, Covington, VA, USA
Tributes
Tribute Posted
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Ronnie and Cheryl Parker
Dec 31, 2023
We are so very sorry for your family's loss. God bless you all with comfort and peace.
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Heather Mann
Dec 30, 2023
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. There are no words to express how sorry I am that you all have lost such a wonderful person. I pray for Gods peace and strength to get you all through this. Love and prayers.
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Kathy Bailey
Dec 29, 2023
Jason, My prayers and condolences are with you and your family.
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Barbara Smith
Dec 29, 2023
Jeff and family, Lennie and I send our deepest condolences on the passing of your sweet mom. Praying for strength and comfort as you navigate this difficult time.
Barbara and Lennie Smith
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Katrina Crowder Persinger
Dec 28, 2023
I am so sorry to the Craft family for your loss. My heart hurts for you during this difficult time, Joy you will always be special to me and I'm sorry. Your Mother always had a smile when I would see her out. Beautiful picture you all chose for her, she shines thru in all of her children/grandchildren!
With Deepest Sympathy ^i^
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Debbie myers
Dec 28, 2023
Julie so sorry about your mom. In my thoughts and prayers
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Gloria Jones
Dec 28, 2023
Loved Velma, I am so glad that she had that wonderful Family vacation at the beach. The shared photos showed what a wonderful time she had. We still display on the porch every year the Christmas wreath she made for Alleghany Highlands HomeCare in 2015. Such a special loving person
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Jennifer Seckner
Dec 28, 2023
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife/mother/grandmother. Prayers and loving thoughts are coming your way from our family and the entire community at this difficult time🙏💜🙏
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Altavista CSC Staff
Dec 28, 2023
Julie,
We are truly sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Please know we are here for you if you need anything! Lots of love sent your way!
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Lisa Hawkins
Dec 28, 2023
Dearest Craft family,
I am truly sorry for the loss of such a devoted wife, mother & grandmother. Mr. Craft, I know that after 60 years of marriage to your angel on earth, you must feel lost, but so grateful to have had so much precious time together. Jimmie, I remember your Mom most from our days playing Little League ball for Civitan. She was a tiny, kind, quiet lady who certainly had her hands full with all you kids, but look what a beautiful job she & your Dad did raising you! You all were so well behaved, respectful, & close knit. I count it a privilege to have been your teammate & friend. Please accept my deepest sympathy, & know that your family will be in my prayers.
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Linda Keaton
Dec 28, 2023
Velma was. A kind and. Wonderful. Lady. Good. Friend. Always smiling!Loved. Her. Family. Was. So glad to call her MY FRIEND!! She got. Her Wings.
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Angela Lugar
Dec 28, 2023
I remember you from Grace Brethren Church. I attended with my mom, Joyce and her parents Grey and Elsie Landis. May you be at peace. We will all be together again.