Mrs. Josephine Craig

Josephine Bernice Hale was born on April 13, 1932, in York, Alabama. Throughout her life, she embodied and showcased the importance of being loyal, respecting yourself and others, and having unconditional love for all. As an only child, she enjoyed a very close relationship with her aunts and uncles, and they considered her their baby sister. She also had a very close relationship with her Hale cousins who hold very dear memories and lots of stories. Many of her most cherished moments was attending family reunions and visiting with her family. “Red” as they called her, was a bit spoiled but smart as a whip. At the age of three she was found reading the local Alabama newspaper. Even at an early age she was studious and excelled at learning and that would be the case throughout her life. Later she would attend Alabama State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She then began her teaching career in the Alabama Public School System. On May 18, 1951, Josephine married Harold Craig, Sr. They would remain married for 70 years until Harold’s death in2021. In 1966, Harold and Josephine moved to Saginaw, Michigan. This is the place they would call home and raise their family. Upon moving to Saginaw, Josephine would teach for the public school system at Morley Elementary until her retirement in June of 1986. She was very proud of her students, and they had deep affection for her. She and her husband studied the Bible with Walter H. Langley. Josephine was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on September 12, 1959. Josephine cherished the relationship with Brother Langley. She would often recall his encouragement to have stickability and later she would instill that lesson in all her Bible students. She also developed a very close relationship with the Sturdivant family who became a pillar of support and encouragement throughout her life. Affectionately known as “Mama Carig” to most, she dedicated the rest of her life to teaching her family and others about Jehovah God. She served as a regular pioneer in the Saginaw area for many years. Josephine was able to aide more than 45 families and individuals to the truth. She enjoyed many privileges of service including playing the piano at the Kingdom Hall, providing hospitality to many special pioneers, circuit overseers, and other special visitors. She also enjoyed attending international conventions in Germany and Hawaii and Bible Lands Tour in Israel and Egypt and many more. Josephine is survived by her children, Sylvia Lawrence, Rita Brown (James), Regina Warren (Clinton, Sr.), Carlos Craig (Stacy) and Sherlyn Robinson (LV); 14 grandchildren, Darrell Lawrence, Jeremy Brown, Tanika Craig, Wakine West, Erika Hinds, Daron Robinson, Ashia Jones, Craig Brown, Clinton Warren, Jr., Maranda Craig, Chad Warren, Danita Robinson, Craig Warren and Carlos Craig, Jr.; 20 great-grandchildren; a host of other family members and very close dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Justina and Eddie Ray; husband, Harold Craig, Sr.; a son, Harold Craig, Jr. and a grandson, Myron Craig. Funeral service will take place at 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1203 North Niagara Street, Saginaw, Michigan 48602. Brother Garth Ratti will officiate. ***Zoom ID# 87947135016 Pass Code 491925***

Mrs. Josephine Craig

April 13, 1932 - October 27, 2022