Joan Kay Craig

Tommy and Joan met in school where she became his one and only girl in the 8th grade and before he passed in 2023, they celebrated 67 years of marriage. Together they celebrated the births of their four children, Liz Hazelbaker (Ken), Thomas Craig (Becci), Todd Craig (Mary), and Kristi Shrum (Michael).

Joan was known as Nana to her 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

If there was a baby around, she was holding it, playing on the floor with it, or reading to it. She loved making holidays special for everyone, including over decorating for Christmas. Her Santa collection was huge. Her day-to-day décor would turn into a Christmas wonderland. She had special treats she would make every year, the most famous, her popcorn balls. Many a child spent hours pressing pop corn balls with Nana. She got such joy from preparing gifts for everyone and watching them open them. It was always a grand affair. Christmas hasn’t been the same since she became unable to participate. She loved working on her yard, spending hours coaxing things to grow in our lovely climate. She would have a big Easter celebration each year in the beautiful yard.

She worked several jobs: the Marine Base Housing Office, the Water Company, the Electric Company before she found the job that would fulfill her. She worked at a local physician’s office. Dr. Sanders, Dr French, Dr. Arosemena. She would work there as the office manager until Dr. Arosemena left to go back to Panama. She adored that job. After he left, she and her long-time buddy, Barbara Whitson opened The Book Den in Barstow. They both really enjoyed this adventure too, but unfortunately people stopped reading paper books and business dwindled. So, they closed it down and mom retired. She hated retirement. She would tell me that every time we discussed it.

She and dad loved to wander, often jumping in one of their many vehicles and just driving around. Her favorite was visits to the beach, and they did numerous trips up and down Hwy 1. They would park for hours and just watch the water.

She was preceded in her passing by her parents, Lowell Mason and Christina Vickrey, the love of her life, Tommy Craig, her brother Lowell (Jack) Vickrey and her Grandson TJ Craig.

Grandchildren are Ken Hazelbaker, Mya Fisher, Kandice Hazelbaker-Verdugo (Matt), TJ Craig, Timothy Craig (Melissa), Jeremy Craig (Chanel), Jenifer Cordova (Stephen), Jessika Alvarez (Pablo), Brandi Cantu (Zach) and Michelle Shrum.

Great grandchildren: Caleb Dillow (Naomi), Kenny Hazelbaker, Alexis Hazelbaker, Emily Fisher, Timmy Craig, Delilah Fisher, Tanner Craig, Tommy Craig, Allison Fisher, Nathan Garcia, Ariana Garcia, Tyler Cantu, Cameron Cordova, Serabelle Shrum, Benson Craig, Matthew Verdugo II, Carter Craig, Abigail Alvarez, Luke Alvarez and Haily Cordova.

Great great grandchild LillyAnn, Oliver and Elliot Dillow.

We are going to miss the joy that she brought to our family gatherings.