Grace Craven

Grace Corrine Craven passed from this life to her heavenly home on February 13, 2014 in Oklahoma City at age 88. Grace was born in Letona, Arkansas on November 12, 1925 to Tom and Samantha E. Martin, and spent her childhood years in the Searcy area. Later, the family moved to Bethany, OK in order for Grace and her siblings to attend Southern Nazarene University, then known as Bethany Peniel College. While at college, Grace met and married Erden R. Craven, and they had three children together: son Erden Richard, Jr., and daughters Patricia and Lendell, whom they called Lindy. Sadly, Lindy would die while still a toddler. Grace and Erden purchased the family home on 49th street in Bethany in 1947 where at the time of her death, Grace remained the only original owner of property on the street. Erden served in the US Navy during much of their life together and was often away on deployment; so the responsibilities of raising the little family fell largely on Grace. It was also necessary that she work to help support them. So, while Richard and Pat were at school or at their grandmother’s, Grace did just that for many years, first for T,G&Y, then CR Anthony (later Stage). Grace was known as “amazing Grace” among her co-workers who were often astounded at the amount she accomplished during her hours at work. She and Erden were loving, concerned parents, instilling Christian values and healthy work ethics in their children. Following Erden’s death in 1982, Grace continued working. But she also was able to take time to enjoy life. The family had always loved music, ( particularly southern gospel) and in later years Richard and Pat, together with some of their friends, traveled and sang in churches and at various events as Southern Praise. Grace almost always accompanied the group as their greatest supporter, and also, as Pat says with a smile “to keep us in line”.Grace was a wonderful mother and sister, and a loyal friend. She was a true example to her children, living out the Christian values she taught them. She loved her family dearly, and was dearly loved by them in return. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Clyde and Tommy, sisters Clotine, Josiline, and Paula; husband Erden and daughter Lindy. She is survived by son Richard Craven and wife Robin of Jet, OK; daughter Pat Heath and husband Mike of Oklahoma City; grandsons Clinton Heath and wife Michelle Susanne and Darren Heath and wife Michelle of OKC; granddaughters Kim Gifford and husband Ron and Rikki Waller and husband Trent of Chandler, Arizona. Sister Lendell Hamman and husband Merwyn of Bethany; 9 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and many, many friends. Services for Grace will be held on Monday, February 17th at 2:00 p.m. at Bill Merritt Funeral Home in Bethany, with burial following in Bethany Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday, from 2-4.

Arrangements under the direction of Bill Merritt Funeral Service, Bethany, OK.