Conita Kay Markel Cramer, 64, passed away Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, at home after a yearlong battle with breast cancer. Memorial service: 6:30 p.m. Friday at Trinity Baptist Church in River Oaks. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Conita's memory to the American Cancer Society or a charity of choice. Conita was born May 25, 1949, in Christopher, Ill. She retired as principal of Joy James Elementary School and continued to share her love of Christ and children through mission work in India, Israel and Africa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorris and Lucy Markel; and siblings, Verl Markel and Dolores Johnson. Survivors: Daughter, Michelle Cramer; son, Michael Cramer and wife, Amy, and their children, Caden and Coleton; niece, Cindy McMahon and husband, Steve, and their children, Michael, Matthew and Emma; brothers, Clifford Markel and wife, Dody, and Vernon Markel and wife, Barbara; sister, Janet Allquist and husband, John; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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Published by Star-Telegram on Oct. 30, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Conita Cramer

Sponsored by the Star-Telegram.

19 Entries

Tammi Paulson

November 9, 2013

Conita, you have been my sister since I was 9 and have always been someone I admire and strive to be more like. Your life challenges me and your love for Christ and His Kingdom plan was always a priority. I will miss you so much! Until we meet again...save me some chocolate!

November 3, 2013

I had the honor of working with Conita @ Marsh Middle School, where she was an excellent educator and friend. She will be missed by all that new and loved her. God has a beautiful angel at his side.

November 1, 2013

Conita and I became friends during Lake Country Church days. She was an amazing woman. She had a way about her that made you think you were her best friend. Several of us "best friends" spent a week in Oregon a couple years ago playing, praying, laughing, crying, singing,sharing and on and on! It was a great experience. At that time she was in so much pain, but she wouldn't let down. I saw her a fews months ago and realized at that time it would probably be the last time I would see her. I got to tell her she was my "hero". I so admired her love for children, her loyalty to our Lord Jesus in all situations and her godly life. I will miss her but I am thankful the suffering is over and the best has just begun! Blessings to her family. Darlene McElreath

Renee Seybold

November 1, 2013

Conita was dear lady who will be dearly missed. She was given a very short time to live a year ago and outlived that date without any cancer treatments.

She played the keyboard for worship services and many times would be singing her heart out at the same time - and she did this longer than she probably should have. She sang as if she were already standing in front of Jesus. In her heart she was already, and she knew that she soon would be in spirit and in reality. Each of us would be blessed to have such a firm grasp of our own mortality and how soon we will face our Savior!

Conita knew that her time on this earth was short and determined not to be sad or depressed, but to make every moment count for her Savior, whether it was praising him in a worship service or setting up our church's day care and learning center to reach out to families for Christ in River Oaks. She went to Africa 2 years ago to help a Christian school get its curriculum in order - while she was in pain! Pain wasn't going to keep her from doing what God had laid on her heart to do.

This past March she asked me to sing something at her funeral, which she completely planned. I've only sung for my family members' funerals up to now. It will be an honor to sing for her family tonight.

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Karen Clinton

October 31, 2013

Conita, you are now home & rejoicing. You've been my sister in law since 1969. Once family, always family. I will miss you terribly. Keep the light on for those of us not too far behind you. I love you

October 31, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. I was a classmate of Conita's in grade school as well as high school. I always admired her beauty and sweet disposition. I know God will comfort you and hold you close at this time.
Toni Head, Benton, IL.

Harven Tewes

October 30, 2013

Conita was my Boss and friend at JJE. We had great times with her at the helm. The original Energizer Bunny with an amazing heart for children, people, and Christ. She will be missed. Hope Heaven is ready for her entrance and all that she will have them doing.

Sue Walker

October 30, 2013

For Michael and Michelle, I am saddened to learn of your mother's passing, but rejoice in her freedom from pain and her being with her Lord..she told me several times of her desire to go home..her only regret was leaving you and her grandsons. May you be comforted in knowing she loved you all so much.. With love, Sue Walker (your Dad's cousin), Richardson, TX

Sandra (German) Zippe

October 30, 2013

Conita and I were best friends during high school.
We both loved
playing piano and singing. When we went
off to college we met up for the last time at a BSU
Convention at SIU.
I finally got to talk to her last summer on the phone and it was like the 40 years had never happened, we connected so well. I am so happy her suffering is over and she is in the presence of her Lord and Savior. My memories of Conita are all good. She was a wonderful friend and I will never forget her.

October 30, 2013

As you are grieving know that we are remembering and honoring the memory of Conita. No words will change how this makes you feel but know that she was loved and will be missed by many. ~Jamie

Courtney Chenault

October 30, 2013

Prayers to Conita's family. I knew Conita from her time at Heartsong Fellowship. I am so sorry to hear about her passing. May God wrap his arms around all of you and give you comfort during this difficult time.

Krystal Steen

October 30, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you. My Gods hands comfort you during this time.

Linda Erwin

October 30, 2013

Prayers to all the family. Conita and I were Whittington Grade School and Benton High School classmates. She was always a beautiful person inside and out.

karen jones

October 30, 2013

a beautiful friend, inside & outside. thanks for the memories. my heart-felt sympathy to the family! karen jones, benton IL

W.E. Bill Seybold

October 30, 2013

Conita Cramer has made a difference in so many lives, with her professional demeanor, drive and most of all love. I have watched her as educator, as mentor and as friend of so many children and their families. Maybe watching her finish her life, regardless of the pain, was the best evidence of a life lived completely, under God's wisdom and Spirit. The way folks loved her is just wonderful.
Thank you Dr. Cramer, I can only hope to finish so well before our Lord.

October 30, 2013

Conita was a special, beautiful woman. I had the joy and honor of working with Conita at JJE. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Conita. RIP Conita you will be greatly missed. ~Susan Broomhall

Charlie Elder

October 30, 2013

Prayers fot the family.....she was a special person to all that got to know her. I know she touched many lives. She is in a better place now.

Cady Rodriguez

October 30, 2013

Sending prayers for your family Michael! I am so very sorry for your loss.

Amanda Kaempf

October 30, 2013

She was one of the most Godly women I have ever met in my life. I hope to be the example she was some day. She is now in the most beautiful place she could be and where she has wanted to be for a while. Prayers with the family.
Mandi Kaempf (Freeda's Grand-daughter, Trinity Baptist Church)

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