Verdanna Peterson Craig

COLUMBIA - A graveside service for Verdanna Peterson Craig, 92, will be held at noon Monday, October 25, 2010, in Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Shandon United Methodist Church, Epworth Children""'s Home or to a charity of one""'s choice. The family will receive visitors 5-7 p.m. Sunday, October 24, 2010, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel.

Mrs. Craig died unexpectedly and peacefully on Thursday, October 21, 2010. She was born in 1918 in Anderson, S.C., where her father taught at then Clemson College. She was the daughter of the late Verd Peterson and Stella Shadow Peterson. At age two, she moved with her family to Columbia where her father led agricultural and vocational education in South Carolina. Mrs. Craig attended Columbia schools and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She was tapped by U.S.C. President Rion McKissick in 1938 to serve as head the Women""'s Physical Education Department and served in that position for 30 years, retiring in 1968. Her strong beliefs in health, safety, and leadership in the enjoyment of all sports won her a lifetime of friendships.

In addition, she invested much of her time and energy in the partnership she had with her husband""'s custom home building and development business. She was a passionate and avid gardener throughout her life. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her positive attitude and love of simple pleasures were family guideposts. Mrs. Craig was a member of the Wesley Fellowship Sunday School Class at Shandon United Methodist Church, where she was a member for 80 years, and a lifetime member of the U.S.C. Alumni Association.

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, J. Wallace Craig. She is survived by daughters, Verd Anna Craig Cunningham (and husband, Stephen M.) and Jane Wallace Craig Drake (and husband, William R.), all of Columbia. Her three granddaughters also survive her: Anna Peterson Drake, Verd Anna Cunningham and Amanda Craig Drake as well as nieces and nephews. Mrs. Craig was predeceased by her sister, Sophia Mae Peterson Swearingen Teel.

The family wishes to thank her dedicated and loving caregivers who enabled her to remain in her home and enjoy her garden in the last year of her life.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.