Johnnie "Madea" Mae Craig

On August 20, 2019 Johnnie Mae Craig, affectionately known as “Madea”; completed her earthly journey, surrounded by loved ones and with a smile on her face. Johnnie was born on January 22, 1932 in Dixon Mills, Alabama to the late John Calvin and Sue Willie “Davis” Jones. Raised in Mobile, Alabama, she attended Alabama public schools, until the 6th grade, when as the eldest child, she quit school to help provide for her family. Education, however, was always important to Johnnie and she would later return to school and receive her diploma from Albion Senior High School in 1982. In 1953 she met and married the love of her life Nathaniel “Nay” Craig and in 1955 with one small child in tow; she followed him to Albion, MI. to this union she bore six more children. Upon arriving to Albion, Johnnie immediately felt at home. She joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, where she served in many capacities; including the kitchen committee and the Usher Board. It was there that she met many life-long friends; including the late Roffie Jean Boggan, who encouraged her to attend her first basketball game at Albion Senior High. From that point, Johnnie became a fixture at all the sporting events, and could always be heard yelling DEFENSE, throughout the gym. In 1973, she joined the athletic boosters and began volunteering at the high school as a ticket saleswoman. Throughout the high school careers of her children, grandchildren and even beyond, Johnnie remained a fixture in the athletic department; selling tickets, working concessions, feeding the athletes and always cheering for her beloved Wildcats. Possessing a true servant’s heart, Johnnie faithfully served her community and her church. She involved herself in many activities including the “Citizens to Beautify Albion” as well as working As a bus aide for special needs children for Dean Transportation until her retirement in 2017. Johnnie or “Madea” as she was called, played an instrumental role in the life of her family; raising not only her children, but many of her grandchildren as well … A never-ending task, because as she was known to say “you’re not grown until you reach my age.” She leaves to continue her legacy, her children; Cassie (John) Lindsey of Ypsilanti, Carol (Michael) Bray of Nashville, TN, George Craig, Reginald Craig, Joseph Craig, all of Albion, Melissa Craig of Battle Creek & Elizabeth Craig of Albion; Godchildren, Denise Word-Eady and David Word; Daughter-in-law Karen Craig; Sister-in-law Love Viola Junior; & Brother-in-law John Simpson; 16 grandchildren; 50 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family. She will also be greatly missed by special friends Elizabeth Carter, Lula-Mae Harris, Jenny Garvin, Dixie Grand, Florence Brewer and Wendy Horman. She was preceded in death by both parents; husband, son, Nathaniel (Karen) Craig Jr., brother Cleophous Jones and sisters, Elizabeth (John) Simpson and Fannie McCovery.