Barbara Jean Hight Craton, age 88, of Oxford, Alabama, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 20, 2026, peacefully at home. Barbara was born to James Lowell Hight and Mary Gladys Backus Hight.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved grandparents, H. E. “Papa” Backus and Dessie Mae “Mama”
Sides Backus.
Although an only child, Barbara was raised surrounded by love alongside her aunts and uncles, whom she cherished as brothers and sisters: Flora Belle Fleming, Dessie Mae Burdette, Gordon
“Lee” Backus, and Lynn Backus Daugherty.
She is survived by her children, whom she dearly loved: her daughter, Lori Lee Randall; her sons, Billy Craton (Susan) and Patrick Craton (Dawn). She leaves behind grandchildren who were the joy of her heart: Jason Craton, Hunter Craton (Hallie Kate), and Devin Lee, along with many beloved cousins.
Barbara fiercely loved her family. She was their home — a place of comfort, warmth, and unconditional love. She found great joy in cooking for her family, friends, and coworkers, always
making sure no one ever left hungry. She loved the outdoors, working in her garden, and soaking in the sunshine. Above all, Barbara loved her Lord and Savior, and her faith guided her life.
Barbara worked for “Brother” Lee at Lee’s Drive-In and her father at Crestview Plumbing. After marriage, she devoted herself to raising her children and returned to the workforce only after they were in school. She later retired from AlliedSignal Aerospace to care for her mother.
We would like to thank Oxford Church of Christ for the prayers and cards throughout Mama’s illness. We would like to express our deepest gratitude and love to Anita Krippner of Karing Hands for the love and care she gave our mother. She truly loved you. We also thank Amedysis Home Health, Dr. Igor Bidikov, and Gentiva Hospice for their care and support.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Gray Brown-Service Mortuary with Bro. John Gaines from Oxford Church of Christ
officiating. Private burial with family members only after the service.
Pallbearers will be Patrick Craton, Jason Craton, Hunter Craton, Jason Nelson and Jeremy Nelson.
