Linda Howington Craft

Linda Howington Craft, age 91 of Clayton, GA went to her heavenly home on May 31, 2017. Linda was born in Monroe, GA the daughter of the late John Wesley and Zetta Mae Howington. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Lanier Blake Craft and three siblings, Margaret Littlefield, James “Buddy” Howington, and Mary Lee Dollar. Linda is survived by her four loving daughters Susan Smith-Patrick; Nancy (Jack) Waldrep; Jan (John) Pearce; and Luanne (Stuart) Cunningham, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving is one sister, Annabelle Hendrix from Americus, GA.

She came to Rabun County in 1955 with her husband Lanier and three daughters.  Her first job was secretary for attorney Knox Bynum.  She then spent the majority of her career as secretary for the A.I.D. Corporation. Her last employment was with the U.S. Forest Service.  In addition to assisting visitors to Rabun County she was also active in promoting the Forest Service in the schools.   Linda was a faithful member of the Clayton First United Methodist Church since 1955, where she was very actively involved in all aspects of the church. She held many positions and served on numerous committees. Some positions included Sunday School teacher/Sunday School Superintendent; she was the guiding force behind the development of the CRN (Can’t Remember Nothing), which included planning activities for senior adults for many years. She was involved in numerous civic organizations. She was a charter member of the Pilot Club, a long time member of the Women’s Club, and Miss Northeast Georgia advisory board. She also served on the Rabun County Development Authority and was secretary for the Habitat for Humanity. Even though these activities filled many of her hours, her favorite past time was spending time with her family.  She took great pride in her family attending worship services with her on special occasions and filling up the first five rows of the sanctuary, but her greatest joy was sharing the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren with anyone who was willing to listen.  For the last five years she was a resident of Traces of Tiger where she led an exercise class every Tuesday and Thursday for the residents.  One of her many hobbies included putting puzzles together; and visitors at Traces were expected to add to at least one piece before leaving. 

Family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Friday, June 2, 2017 at Beck’s Funeral Home in Clayton, GA. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 11:00 am in  the sanctuary of  the Clayton First United Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Roane Cemetery following the memorial service.  Officiating pastors will be the Reverend Dr. Hal Brady and the Reverend Jeremy Lawson.  Also assisting with the service are the Reverend Jeremy Noffsinger and the Reverend Lee Krivsky.  Memorials may be given to The Clayton First United Methodist Church in memory of Linda Craft.

The family will be at the residence of daughter, Susan Smith Patrick.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.