Lillie Jane McCraw

Our beloved mother, Lillie Jane McCraw, went home to her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 27, 2024. She was born August 4, 1930, in Malta, Ohio. She was the eldest of Perl and Rose Barnhart’s four daughters.

Lillie attended elementary and high school in Malta. Following graduation in 1949, she and her best friend moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she worked for Bell Telephone. In Columbus, she met the love of her life, Joe Howard McCraw Jr., on a blind date. They were married on November 7, 1953. Their first child, Valerie Jo, was born in 1955, followed by Michael Joe in 1957, Rhoda Jo in 1960, and Joe Howard III in 1961.

Lillie was a godly, loving wife and mother. She served her family and the Lord well. With four children in tow, she diligently worked to obtain her bachelor’s degree in education. She taught elementary school for 22 years. She loved her students dearly. She was an avid outdoorswoman as well. She enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and riding her horses with her family. Joe and Lillie had a passion for traveling together. They traveled through all the United States, except Hawaii. Lillie also loved the many cats and dogs that she and Joe had over the years.

Sweet Lillie is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Joe, and her sisters, Jeanine Scott, Phyllis Gheen, and Glorine Cline. She is also survived by her children Valerie Thompson (Rich), Michael McCraw (Tricia), Rhoda Hoffman (Doug), and Joe McCraw (Patti). She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She is greatly cherished and missed. She left a wonderful legacy of love and perseverance. We celebrate knowing that Lillie has begun her eternal journey in the arms of Jesus.

A funeral service for Lillie will be held Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at First Southern Baptist Church, 11711 William St, Wellton, AZ 85356. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Wellton Memorial Cemetery, 11651 William St, Wellton, AZ 85356.