Louise Gwaltney Craig

1917 - 2016

Louise Gwaltney Craig, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away Friday evening, Feb. 26, 2016. Mrs. Craig was 98 years old. Service: A private family service will be held in Cleburne Memorial Cemetery, Cleburne. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, consideration of contributions to a charity of choice, in her memory, is suggested. Born Nov. 11, 1917, in Coryell County, Louise was the daughter of Methodist minister, the Rev. W.G. and Mattie Lea Boulware Gwaltney. She graduated with honors from Cleburne High School and Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth where she majored in English. Louise was president of the SMK Literary Society, edited the TWC yearbook and was selected by her classmates as a class beauty. After graduation, she taught high school English in Kennedale. Louise married J.D. Craig in Fort Worth in November 1939. The couple was married for 62 years and they were the parents of five children. Louise is remembered by her children and grandchildren as a wonderful cook and seamstress, avid reader, lover of sweets, formidable Go-Fish and checkers opponent, gentle nurse and trusted confidante. She was president of the Western Hills Garden Club and the Nautilus Club of the Worth Woman's Club of Fort Worth, secretary of the TCU Wesley Foundation Board, member of the Rejabian Book Review Club, 50-year member of the Sewing Club and a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. Louise was preceded in death by her parents; husband, J.D.; brother, George Gwaltney; and sisters, Marie Stewart and Ruth Smith. Survivors: Mrs. Craig is survived by her children, Martha Craig Brasher of Tucson, Ariz., Don Craig and Linda of Fort Worth, Mark Craig and Sandra of Dallas, Joan Craig McKee and Mike of Plano, and Robbi Craig Swan and Jim of Holly Lake Ranch; grandchildren, Bart Craig and Jan, Trent Craig and Cheryl, Jennifer Craig Kelly and Aaron, William Craig, Sayre Craig, Ali Craig, Meredith McKee, Erin McKee Chidsey and Darin, Ben Green and Vicki and Sally Green; 10 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews and their families. She is also survived by her loyal and loving caregiver of almost 10 years, Maria Azocar.