Curtis Craig Sr.

Curtis Craig Sr. was born on Aug. 22, 1922, to Robert and Ada Craig in Berlin, Ala. His family later moved to Selma where he was raised.

He departed this life on July 2, 2006. He was 83 years old.

In 1943, Curtis joined the United States Army and was honorably discharged in October of 1945 with the rank of corporal.

On July 3, 1952, he married his childhood sweetheart, Naomi Polnitz, and later that year they settled in Detroit, Mich. To their union were born three children, Curtis Jr., Sheriley and Carol. Sheriley preceded him in death in 1984.

Curtis Sr. worked for General Motors’ Cadillac Division as a heavy equipment operator for General Motors for 30 years, retiring in 1981. He was a faithful member of Greater New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church serving on many auxiliaries, and most notably as one of the Mighty Voices of Thunder. He joined Providence Missionary Baptist Church after he and Naomi moved to Rockford, Ill., in 2003 to live with their devoted daughter Carol.

Curtis Sr. is survived by his loving wife, Naomi; son, Curtis Jr. (Theresa) of Milwaukee, Wisc.; daughter, Dr. Carol Craig; grandsons, Jebari and Jahi; granddaughter, Kamilah; brothers, L.C. Craig and Wilson (Pearl) Craig of Detroit, Mich., Robert Craig and Thonda (Dean) Craig of Selma; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends who cherish his memory.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2006, at Providence Baptist Church in Rockford, Ill. The Rev. Dr. John Senter will officiate. Burial to follow at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Saturday. A public viewing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 South Mulford Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to: Mildred Berry Center Capital Campaign in care of The Janet Wattles Foundation, 526 W. State St., Rockford, IL

61101.