Naomi Craig, 92

Christian and Devoted Family Woman

Rockford – Naomi Craig was born May 1, 1925, to Pettus and Natalee Chrishon-Polnitz in Selma. She was one of nine children. She departed this life on Dec. 23, 2017, always trusting in the Lord. She was 92 years old. She graduated from Selma High School and attended Selma College. Naomi accepted Christ at an early age. She joined Sandridge Baptist Church and served as the church secretary for many years. On July 3, 1952, she married her childhood sweetheart Curtis Craig Sr. and later that year they settled in Detroit, Michigan.

To their union were born three children, Curtis Jr., Sheriley and Carol. Sheriley preceded her in death in 1984. Naomi was a devoted wife and mother.

She also volunteered in the community with the local Girl Scouts and the Parent Teacher Association. She was a faithful member of Greater New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. Declining health prevented her active involvement.

After moving to Rockford, Illinois in 2003 to live with her devoted daughter Carol, she attended Christ the Carpenter United Methodist Church when she could. Naomi was a 27-year survivor of breast cancer and battled many major illnesses with her trust in the Lord.

Naomi is survived by her son Curtis Jr. (Theresa) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; daughter, Dr. Carol Craig; grandsons, Jebari and Jahi; granddaughter, Kamilah; great-grandsons, Jebari Jr. and Jahir; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great-great nieces, great-great nephews and a host of friends who cherish her memory.

Proceeding her in death were her husband, Curtis Craig; parents, Pettus and Natalee Chrishon-Polnitz; brothers Cleophus, James, Pettus Jr., Joe and Oscar; sisters, Sadie (Lewis) Huey, Kavro Polnitz, Dalena (George) Smith; and her best friend, Maybella (David) Perry of Detroit, Michigan.

Naomi was well cared for and loved by her devoted care givers, Kathy Rand, Sandra Franklin, Laura Fransen, Ericka Jackson, Karen Boettcher, Victoria Ciceri and Jane Brooks. Naomi lived a full life of devoted service to God and to her family. Those who knew Naomi and loved her well called her “Mama Craig.”

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday Dec. 29, 2017, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, with the Rev. Montel Putney officiating.

Visitation was held from 10 a.m. until the time of service of Friday. Burial followed immediately to Arlington Memorial Park. Funeral arrangements cared for by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to The Hope Chest www.myhopechest.org A charitable organization providing breast reconstruction for uninsured and underprivileged women.  Please share condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.