Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

February 16, 1948 - December 27, 2021

Carolyn Fay McKnight Craig, age 73, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, December 27, 2021.

The life of Carolyn Fay McKnight Craig began on February 16, 1948. She was born to Robert (Bob) Love McKnight and Nellie Sue (Brown) McKnight in Lewis County. She was the sixth of eight children, growing up poor but happy. All the kids slept in one bed with the only room for Carolyn being across the foot of the bed. Carolyn's oldest sister, Retha, has fond memories of their childhood including the time Carolyn fell off the swinging bridge across the creek to their house. By the grace of God, her landing was softened by the wallowing pigs leaving her unharmed but very dirty.

Carolyn first met her husband when she was a young lady at the old Maury Theater on Mt. Pleasant square. It was a Saturday matinee. Her brothers would walk with her from their home on Greenwood Avenue. After a few years of dating, she married Andrew Eugene Craig on October 5, 1964. She was married to the love of her life for almost 60 years. They spent every moment they could with each other. They had two wonderful children that bloomed into grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carolyn served her Lord as a benevolent woman always making sure others were taken care of before herself. Her home was always open to everyone in Mt. Pleasant and the blue-collar people that worked for her town. Not even Lupus could keep her from ensuring that anyone that passed through her home would leave wanting for anything. Whether it was a cap she crocheted on a cold day, cookies she had baked, flowers from her garden, or a simple hug and warm smile.

Carolyn worked with the Healing Hands International Ministries for many years. She was the foundation of the Dorcas class of Main Street Church of Christ, a sewing group that made many clothing and personal need items for women and children around the world. She was also passionate about the MAGI (Making a Godly Impact) Project which reached many children at Christmas.

Carolyn's love for flowers and plants was evident. Something was always blooming in her home or yard. She worked with her sister, Retha, and brother-in-law Doug Wood, for many years at the By-Pass Nursery in Columbia.

Carolyn loved to sew, quilt, and cross-stitch. Most of her masterpieces were given away to loved ones. Carolyn worked at the Frame Shop for many years and later as a floral designer in Mt. Pleasant. Carolyn, with the help of her sister Cathy and daughter Vicki, painted holiday scenes on many windows in town.

Carolyn and Gene, who is a deacon, together attended Main Street Church of Christ for over 40 years, also where she was baptized at age 12. They have maintained the facility for 25 years as well as decorating, painting, and making it beautiful. Carolyn's masterpieces can be found throughout the classrooms. She was a very talented worker for the Lord.

Proverbs 31:29 best describes Carolyn, 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all'.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Gene; daughter, Vicki Craig Runions (Barry); son, Andy Craig; grandchildren, Maddy Craig, Meg Craig, Carol Ann Runions Hendrix (TJ), and Lee Runions (Holly); great-grandchildren, Paisley Hendrix, Haze Hendrix, Zaydeth Runions, and Everlette Runions; siblings, and their spouses, Retha Wood, Judy McKnight (Bud), Roland McKnight (Mary Ann), Jerry McKnight, Cathy Andrews (Jimmy), Mike McKnight (Renée); and a special niece, Julie Wood, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Love and Sue McKnight, sister, Laura Williams, brother, Bud McKnight, brother-in-law, Doug Wood and sister-in-law, Mary Ella McKnight.

Services were held Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Williams Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant with Brother Randy Kersey officiating. Burial followed at Polk Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers were her nephews: Steve Renfro, Jim Wood, Mark Williams, Heath McKnight, Bobby McKnight, Billy McKnight, Shane McKnight, Eric McKnight, Sam Fowler, and friends Ellis Dodson and Chris Neal.

Honorary pallbearers were: the Elders, Deacons, and members of the Main Street Church of Christ, Jim and Bonita Grimes, Tim Brashears, and Pam Connelly with Avalon Hospice, The Skyliters band members Mike O'Rear, John Marston, Sonny and Sheila Holly, Chris Hanna, and Debbie Methvin.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Main Street Church of Christ, P.O. Box 184, Mt. Pleasant, TN 38474 to support the legacy of the Dorcus Sewing Class and MAGI Boxes.

Williams Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.