Frances Torry Craft

Frances Torry Craft passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at the age of 95. She was born May 26, 1924 in Utica, Mississippi to the late Perry and Mary Torry. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Lee Dell Craft Sr., her late father and mother- in- law, Johnnie and Nellie Craft and her 14 siblings. Frances loving memories will be forever cherished by her children Katherine (John) Anderson, Laquita C. Spurlock, Delores (Terry) Lewis, Lee Roy (Malinda) Craft, Jerome Craft, Kenneth (Fanette) Craft and Lee Dell (Kim) Craft Jr. Frances was a devoted and loving grandmother of 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relativies and friends. Frances attended Ginn Line Elementary School in Utica Mississippi. After graduating from Utica Normal and Industrial High School she attended Jackson State University for two years. After leaving Jackson State University she taught grades four through eight at a small elementary school in Utica. She moved to Louisiana and worked as a substitute teacher in Jefferson Parish Schools for several years. Frances spent her time as a homemaker taking excellent care of her family. In between taking care of her family and her church activities she was an excellent seamstress in her earlier years. She made suits, wedding dresses, and other clothes for her family and people in the community. She was a faithful, dedicated and active member of New Salem Church of Christ Holiness. She was one of the charter members. Frances became the first church secretary and served in that position for 25 years. She was one of the original members of the senior choir and was still singing at 95 years old. She was a Sunday school teacher, Deaconess Board President, Prayer Band member, faithful prayer and bible study attendee, Trustee Board Member, United Christian Women Ministry member, Volunteer Kitchen Committee Member and past Vacation Bible School director and teacher. She also held several positions at the 3rd and 5th District Churches of Christ Holiness U.S.A. She will be greatly missed by her pastor, Eld. George Taylor, the New Salem Church family and the Churches of Christ Holiness U.S.A. Frances favorite songs were Blessed Assurance, All I Need, Tis Christ Has Chosen Me and I Won’t Complain. She loved to read the bible. Her favorite scriptures were John 3:16, the 23 Psalms and Matthew 5:3-12. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path,” (Proverbs 3: 5&6) was her motto. These scriptures guided her life and she also instilled them in the lives of her children and grandchildren. In the community she was a watchman for the neighborhood children getting on and off the school bus. She liked sitting on the porch enjoying the sunshine, talking to neighbors, visiting the sick and shut-in, offering prayers, scriptures and encouragement. She also enjoyed feeding her family and others. She had her own little food ministry. Frances was known for her delicious cakes, sweet potatoes pies and especially her Tea Cakes. Frances was a historian with an excellent memory, a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and insight. Everyone who crossed her path was fond of her kind and loving spirit. To God be the glory for the life she lived! The family greatly appreciates all the prayers and condolences bestowed upon them. Due to current health concerns, a private graveside service will be held. A special thanks to her grandson, Kodi Craft. We also would like to thank the staff at West Jefferson Hospital for the kindness and care they gave to our mother during her time with them. A memorial service will be held in her honor at a later date. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. New Orleans, LA 70125.