Thelma Ree (Hyatt) Craig

Mrs. Thelma Ree Hyatt-Craig, passed away quietly at her home on Monday, May 29, 2017, in Albemarle, NC.

She was born May 11, 1923, in Porters, North Carolina to Mr. Cossie and Nana Kendall Hyatt. After her mother’s untimely death, Thelma was reared by her stepmother, Addie B. Hyatt.  She was the youngest of five siblings which included two sisters: Cenora Smith and Agnes Freeman and two brothers: George Hyatt and Leon Hyatt, all who preceded her in death. While still very young, her parents instilled a religious sensitivity in the family. Thelma never strayed from her very early teachings of her Christian values and her love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

During the 1930’s, her parents moved the family from Porters, NC to Albemarle, NC. Thelma made Albemarle her home for her entire life. She attended the, public school system in Albemarle in the 1930’s. She went to the school that was characterized as the “Old School House,” with one big room located on Lundix Ave. Thelma completed the 10th grade.  Sometime during the 1940’s, she met and dated Slay Craig, Jr., and they were later married.

Shortly, after her marriage to Slay, the couple began their family. Thelma was a loving wife and devoted mother to her ten cherished children; and a beloved goddaughter who she reared.  Thelma immensely enjoyed the role of a mother and parent. She provided her children with the training of the old Southern values, where they would always address other adults with, “Yes Sir/Ma’am or No Sir/Ma’am. Thelma also instilled in them the core values of respect.  After the death of her late husband of 67 years, Slay Craig, Jr. in June 2004, she carried on the role of the matriarch and was dedicated to the cohesion of the family.

After being a devoted homemaker for many years, she was employed with Federal Pacific (American Circuit Breaker Corporation) for 24 years until her retirement in 1990. Thelma had several hobbies that she deeply enjoyed. She loved sewing, gardening, and canning. She was also a member of the Silver Fox Exercise Club.

Thelma was a devoted member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Albemarle for many years. She later changed her affiliation to Saints Delight Church in Albemarle in which she remained a devoted member until her transition. One of the joys of her life was looking forward to attending church on Sunday; not only to pay her respect to the Lord, but to fellowship with other members of the church. The faith and the devotional commitment that was instilled in her early in her life was the foundation that helped her to weather the many storms in life.

Thelma, who had a warm and generous spirit, leaves behind her ten children, and goddaughter to cherish her memory: Barbara Kathleen Haynes, Garfield (Patricia) Craig, U-Shaka/James (Necosha) Craig, Marian (Gerry) D’Angelo, Rickey Craig, Harry (Montesse) Craig, LaDonna (William) Chambers, Carolyn (David) Coleman, Robert Lewis (Devora) Craig, Carl Jr Craig, and a goddaughter, Jacqueline (Joe) Watkins, all whom inherited her warm and gentle spirit. Thelma loved and cherished her grands, great-grands and great-great-grandchildren. Grandchildren: Barbara has two sons; Garfield has two daughters and two sons; Marian has three boys and one daughter; LaDonna has two sons; Rickey has two daughters and one son; Harry has three sons and two daughters; Carolyn has two daughters; Robert Lewis has seven children: five daughters, and two sons, (one son is deceased); Carl, Jr. has one son.  Other family members who survive two sisters-in-law: Ida Mae Kendall and Ollie Catherin Clark, a brother-in-law, Philip (Sarah) Clark; nieces, nephews and friends.

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