Jean Rossi Craft

Jean Rossi Craft, age 77, passed away April 15, 2015, at her home in Rock Hill. She was born in Shelby, NC. She was preceded by her husband, the late Johnnie Bogan Columbus Craft. She was the daughter of the late Emilio Marlo Rossi and the late Lucille Foxworth Rossi. She was preceded in death by her brother, Charlie Anthony Rossi, and her sister Judith "Boogie" Rossi Meredith. She is survived by her three sons, Rico Johnnie Craft, and his wife, Beckie, of Rock Hill, SC, Rossi Jene Craft of Tampa, Florida, and Rex Jason Craft, and his wife, Cindy, of Greenville, SC., and by her grandchildren, Sarah Johnnie Craft and her fiancee, Paul Freelan Young, and Rossi Jene Craft, Jr., all of Chapin, SC, a step-granddaughter, Rebecca Lee Valentine, of York, SC, and by her niece, Kristine Meredith Gumeta, and nephew, Kenneth "Sweetpea" Meredith, both of Rock Hill.

She had many roles as loving wife, mother, and "Marmie," as she was known to her grandchildren, and "Big Boss Turkey," to everyone, especially to the scores of children she helped raise in her role as state-accreditted babysitter. She was particularly active in her role as faithful church member at Temple Baptist Church, having earned her 20 year pin for Sunday School, a Sunday School teacher since 1999, a member of the WMU, and several other roles including "Prayer Warrior," who saw many miracles of healing performed by the Lord after faithful and fervent intercession. Of her accomplishments, she was most proud of her sons and raised them to study, graduate, work hard, and never ever get into trouble.

She was an avid music lover who instilled that appreciation into her children. She was an expert who loved movies and trivia; a particular favorite: Gone With The Wind. Her hobbies and avocations included cribbage, badminton, chinese checkers, family games, arts and crafts, and activities that trained and developed her mind. She was fond of cornbread, hog jowls, collards, licorice jelly beans, and fried chicken "on the bone." She had amassed an enormous salt and pepper shakers collection and also enjoyed collecting jars, bells, peacock items and strawberry designed articles.

A love of family ensured adherence to tradition including the gathering of the brood at Holidays, spaghetti at Christmas and the annual reading of "The Night Before Cristmas," a tradition going back 57 Christmases.

She was greatly loved by all who knew her, and will be wonderful to see again on that day we are reunited in Glory!

Funeral Services will be 3:30 PM Sunday, at Temple Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3:30 PM Sunday at the church. The burial will be private at Laurelwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the WMU of Temple Baptist Church, 281 Cel River Rd., Rock HIll. S.C., 29730.

Whitesell Funeral Home is serving the Craft family.