Dorothy Mildred Craig Queen, 93, formerly of Hickory, passed away Friday, September 23, 2016 at Harmony Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Kinston, NC where she had resided since 2011. Prior to that, she was a resident of Spring Arbor Assisted Living in Kinston for three years. Dorothy had Alzheimer’s Dementia for approximately twelve years and a short period of declining health prior to her death.
Dorothy “Dot” was born June 14, 1923 to the late Ben H. Craig and Mary Lou Kincaid Craig in Caldwell County. The eighth of eleven children, Dorothy was the last surviving sibling. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of thirty four years, Joe B. Queen, and her ten siblings, Egbert Craig, infant Gydna Craig, Clara “Sis” Craig Houston, Sullivan “Sud” Craig, Mamie Craig Kendall, Rachel “Toodie” Craig, Virginia “Jenny” Craig Herman, Helen “Snoopy” Craig Herman, Ann Craig Morehead, and Thomas Craig.
Dorothy was born in Lenoir, and lived her youth on Craig’s Mountain, working on the family farm, attending Gamewell and Collettsville High School before moving to Hickory. Dorothy retired at age 71 after working for a time at Hickory Packing Company and after many years as a seamstress in the furniture industry. In Hickory, Dorothy was a member of Highland Baptist Church and the Joymakers Senior Choir. Music, especially gospel music and hymns remained one of her last known memories.
Dorothy was a gracious, kind and gently lady, a wonderful mother and a friend to all she met. Her love of God and family characterized who she was as a person. She left an impact on everyone she encountered regardless of the time she spent with them.
Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Elaine Queen Penuel and husband, Bobby of Kinston, a son, Randy Queen and wife Kim, two grandsons, Matthew and his fiancé , Joanne, and Ian and wife Heather, and great grandchildren Henry and Kacey all of Georgia, a son, William “Bill” Queen and wife Beth of Hickory and a granddaughter, Elizabeth and a grandson, Ethan, both of Raleigh.
In addition, survivors include a special nephew, Alan Houston of Hickory, a brother-in-law, Solomon Queen of Hickory, a sister-in-law, Emma Craig Appeli of Cary, and numerous living nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special thanks go to the staff of Spring Arbor Assisted Living in Kinston, especially Kenny Taylor, and to Dr. Gary Heck, Dr. Barbara Goheen, Dr. Kris Cummings, and to the administration and staff of Harmony Hall Nursing, especially Rodney Wooten, her very special caretaker.
A memorial service to celebrate and honor her life will be held on Wednesday, September 28th at 10:30 am with Pastor Kenny Robison and Pastor Lott officiating at Catawba Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Catawba Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home prior to the service from 9:00 – 10:30 am. Catawba Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Donations can be made in her memory to the Joymakers Choir of Highland Baptist Church, 828 9th Avenue NE, Hickory, NC 28601.
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