Loretta Sue Smith

Loretta Sue Smith (Craddock) passed away on October 26, 2025, at 84 years old. Loretta was born on September 5, 1941, in Pontiac Michigan to Herbert J. and Marjorie (McLocklin) Craddock.
Loretta's educational journey began at Mason Public High School, where she graduated in 1959. Her passion for learning and helping others led her to Olivet Nazarene University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Loretta's professional life was marked by a decade of dedicated service at Michigan Educational Services, where she worked until her retirement in 2002. Prior to this, she held various secretarial positions and contributed her time and talents to her church and community.
A devout Christian, Loretta's life was deeply rooted in her faith. She was a long-standing member of Mason First Nazarene Church, where she joyfully participated in the choir, taught Sunday school, led youth groups, and served as an office secretary. Along with these positions, she also spent years serving as a local guide and director for multiple Caravan Scouting programs within the church. For the past 5 years, Loretta was a part of the Williamston Free Methodist Church.
Loretta enjoyed her time in many different ways. She found solace in bird watching, took pleasure in tending to her flower garden, and captured the beauty of the world through her photography. Her hands were rarely still, as she expressed her creativity through sewing and immersed herself in the pages of countless books.
Lorreta is survived by her devoted husband, Lynford, and her loving children, Mark Emerson, Jeffrey, Brian, Kevin Smith, Dawn, and Kristin (Glen) Hemminger. She is also survived by her 14 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren.
Loretta is predeceased by her parents Herbert and Marjorie along with her siblings Mavis Jewell, Romona Gilmore, Joan Hedgler, and Jean Knop.
A visitation will be held for Loretta on Tuesday November 4, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Williamston Free Methodist Church located at 4400 N. Williamston Rd, Williamston, Michigan, 48895. A memorial service with a 1-hour visitation prior will be held for Loretta on Wednesday November 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Williamston Free Methodist Church. The service will be officiated by Reverend Allen Berger and Reverend Dave Coleman.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Williamston Free Methodist Church.