Bobby Jean Craig-Wright

Born Bobby Jean Marshall, Mother Anna M. Marshall, Father

Lucian Marshall. To begin my growth and development while in

elementary school, I was a Girl Scout. Also, while in elementary

school, I developed a love for music and was tutored by music

teachers in voice because I possessed a God-given gift for expressing music through the medium of singing. While at Crispus Attucks High School, noted choral instructor Mr. Norman Merrifield sought me out for his a cappella choir. In 1953, I graduated from high school and gained recognition for making the National Honor Society, as well as achieving an academic top ranking in my class. Thereafter, I entered Butler University and majored in music. While at Butler, I was required to perform vocal concerts and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music. In later years, I received a master’s degree in counseling.

Upon graduation, I began a career in education that spanned thirty five years. My career in education included serving in administrative

posts at Martin University as Director of Enrollment Management,

Dean of Students, Academic Dean, and Ombudsman. I served 21

years at Martin University and participated in groundbreaking

ceremonies for the current edifice. Shortly thereafter, I was selected to serve as the Dean of Deans by the founder and president, the late Father Boniface Harden. Upon retirement in 2011, I was presented with a plaque in recognition of 21 years of service and achievement.

My teaching career led me to teach in Indianapolis, IN; Cleveland,

OH; East St. Louis, IL; Rockford, IL; and Chicago, IL. While living in

East St. Louis, IL, I began doctoral studies in counseling at Southern Illinois University but was forced to withdraw as my husband at that time, the late Rev. Dr. Lawrence L. Craig, Sr., was assigned as pastor of the great Carter Temple CME Church of Chicago, IL. Additional academic credits were earned at National College and the University of Chicago.

John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only

begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” As a believer in His Kingship, love, grace, and His shed blood at Calvary, I have spent my life in praise and worship to Him.

While in Chicago, I was a guest speaker for several churches.

I taught and directed youth and young adult choirs to sing at the

annual conferences. I organized the first 3rd Episcopal District

Ministers’ Wives Chorus and presented them in concert. I was also

tasked with directing congregational songs at both the local and

annual conference levels as directed by bishops of the Christian

Methodist Episcopal Church. I also served as president of the 3rd

Episcopal District Ministers’ Wives during the administration of my

late husband, the Rev. Dr. Lawrence L. Craig, Sr., at the Carter Temple CME Church of Chicago, IL. Before his untimely death, I was blessed to serve as the First Lady of the Parkwood CME Church of Cleveland, Ohio; the Pilgrim Temple CME Church of East St. Louis, IL; the Carter Temple CME Church of Chicago, IL; the Miles Memorial CME Church of Rockford, IL; as well as the Wisconsin District of the CME Church.

Upon returning to Indianapolis in 1991, Martindale Church of

Christ, under the leadership of Brother Rudolph Mullins, needed a

pianist and choir leader, which I did for a limited time. I also was a

trustee for the Womack Memorial CME Church and taught and played for their choir as well. I later became a trustee of Phillips Temple CME Church and sang in the choir. I was later bestowed with the title of Trustee Emeritus.

After becoming employed at Martin University, I met a notable

person who impacted my life. I speak of Mrs. Brenda Shaheed, who

inspired, monitored, and encouraged me. She remained a persistent

and impactful friend throughout our relationship. I will never forget

my late Aunt Wanda Bracken, who was a treasure and a wonderful

person. She has gone to glory now. We were a source of strength to

each other. We talked by telephone two and three times a day. We

talked about everything, especially our sweet memories of life in

Portland, TN.

Again, I speak of my employment at Martin University where,

in 1991, I met a computer teacher, Mrs. Kandes O’Rear. Many years

later, little did I know that Kandes would be absolutely important in

my daily survival through the pandemic. Kandes has been God’s gift

to me and for me. Schurronda Dada, granddaughter of our beloved

late Aunt Wanda, has been an absolute blessing to me as well. Albert Bracken, Aunt Wanda’s son and Schurronda’s uncle, was there for me anytime I needed him.

I lost my mother in 2003, a time of utter grief, but my cousin

Sandra has always been the sister I never had. I met another sister

that I never had in Liz Jones. We met in the late 1980s. Liz has been a loyal, caring, and faithful friend throughout our relationship. I met Liz while teaching at Yale Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois. Also, while teaching at Yale Elementary, I met a bubbling young 6th-grade student in the person of Marcia Polk. Marcia has impacted my life to this day, and she became my goddaughter. She later brought a child into the world who has always been special to me, Zachary Eigbe, my god-grandson. I was present when he was born on February 13. He just missed my birthday, February 11.

I had been widowed 21 years when, in 2011, after having retired from Martin University, I married Clifton Wright, with whom I lived a loving and happy life until God called him to his eternal home on September 25, 2019. My marriage to Clifton gave me his son, Alonzo Wright, and a daughter, Janice Wright. Alonzo and Janice have been respectful, impactful, and loving from the beginning of my marriage to their father. Alonzo called me “Mom” from the beginning. He and Janice were a treasure in my life, and I was proud to call them my son and daughter.

I leave in memory my beloved brother, Lucian Marshall;

devoted sons, Rev. Lawrence L. Craig, Jr. and Charles John Pressley

Craig, Sr., and his wife Annette; four grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren; Deacon Alonzo Wright; Janice Wright; goddaughter Marcia Renee Polk; and god-grandson Zachary Eigbe. Devoted cousins: Albert Bracken, Janice Baker, Sandra Alvies Haley, Betty Spyropulos, Ella Beck, and daughter Nicole Beck-Kouyata, Terri and Michael Glover, and Gloria Jean Vance. Devoted friends and spiritual partners in Christ: Kenneth and Rev. Alfreda Black, Liz Jones, Vanessa Conway, Sheila Rudolph, Angela Warfield, Rudell Moore, the trustee board, church family, and friends.

I would like to acknowledge and give special recognition to Mr.

Luis McElroy for his care and continued diligence in attending to my

maintenance needs. Also, to my neighbor Mr. Carl Scott, who was

always there for me when I called upon him to solve a problem. To

Ben and Tara Lutes, especially Henry, their son, who cut my grass

whenever it was needed. As well as to my neighbor Tom Medsker,

who ensured that my refuse receptacle was out to be collected

without fail every week. Also, to devoted friends Angela Warfield

and Brenda Sallier. Sheila Rudolph saw to it that I never cooked on

Mother’s Day by supplying delicious meals.

Last but not least, Mrs. Rudell Moore, who has been there diligently

fulfilling my needs with kindness and caring which were given to her by the blessing of my Savior and Lord. Vanessa Conway impacted my life with medical advice, kindness, and love. As the song says, “To God be the glory, to God!"