Louise O. Craft

Louise O. Craft – native Knoxvillian, civic leader and friend to many, died Thursday, March 29, 2012 at NHC Healthcare of Knoxville following a period of declining health at the age of 88. Weesie, as she was affectionately known to all her family and friends, was born on October 1, 1923 in Knoxville, Tennessee and was a graduate of Knoxville High School. She was a charter member of Central United Methodist Church where she actively participated in the Married Couples Sunday School Class and the Central Lites. She was a retired employee of Standard Knitting Mills Payroll Office after more than forty years of service. Following her retirement, she then served as the Chaplain of Standard Knitting Mills for many years. Weesie served on the Board of Directors of the YWCA and was Volunteer of the Year in 1995. She was a collector of people who enjoyed her many friends both locally and nation-wide and was a wonderful cook who loved entertaining. She is preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Jay E. Craft; parents, Henry Otto and Sylva Fowler Otto; sister, Helen Weese. She is survived by her sister, Dot Phillips; devoted niece and nephews-in-law, Jackie and Richard Edmonds; nieces, Sherry Phillips and Louise Bass; nephew, Randy Phillips; many great-nieces and great-nephews; extended family, Allison Davis, Jamie and Natalie Davis and Phillip Evans. The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Weesie's many friends and neighbors who have loved and cared for her during her declining health. A funeral service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 1, 2012 at Central United Methodist Church officiated by Reverend Bruce Galyon. Family and friends will meet at 10:45 a.m. Monday, April 2, 2012 at Highland Memorial Cemetery for an 11:00 a.m. interment service. Pallbearers will be Russell Cochran, Ryan Cochran, Russ Cochran, Richard Edmonds, Jr., Jamie Davis, Matt Davis and Randy Phillips. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening prior to the funeral service at Central United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions in Mrs. Craft's memory may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 201 East Third Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37917. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel.

Tributes

Louise O. Craft

October 1, 1923 - March 29, 2012