Patricia Reed Craft

Patricia Reed Craft, a native of Citronelle, Alabama and a resident of Fairhope, AL, died September 14, 2024, at The Retreat – Hospice by SAAD. Born May 4, 1938, Patricia was a passionate individual dedicated to her family and faith. She was a graduate of Citronelle High School and a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church for over sixty-five years. 

She was generous with her time and talents primarily focusing on family and the church community. When the original St. Thomas Aquinas Church was destroyed by a fire, Patricia was instrumental in the interior design of the new church, restoration of the old Stations of the Cross, and hand painting of all the statues in the church. Her artistic presence continues to grace every corner of the Church today. 

Patricia had a passion for the arts and was an accomplished artist using oils, watercolors, and charcoals. Some of her works include pencil sketches of her grandchildren; watercolors of flowers, nature and cartoon characters; oil paintings of country landscapes, scenes in nature, sail boats, fishermen, and other beach and ocean scenes. Most of these works of art were given to family members and friends and will be enjoyed for generations to come. 

Patricia’s other main interests were travelling and spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed many vacations and cruises to exciting locations with various family members, including her children and grandchildren. Some of the highlights included Alaska (coastal cruise), Hawaii (sailing, snorkeling, and jungle hiking), Jamaica (ziplining), Panama Canal cruise, British Isle cruise, and a cruise around Italy and Greece (visiting historical ruins and museums). Patricia also travelled to Ireland, England, and Scotland with her beloved husband Gilbert R. Craft (deceased) and experienced the Irish local culture with Father John, their local priest. She was an explorer at heart and loved to visit the natural wonders of the world. One of her most favorite trips was to Italy with her husband, where they visited the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, old historical churches, and museums which contain beautiful frescas, sculptures, and paintings created by the greatest Italian Renaissance artists. 

After the passing of her husband (Bob) of over 50 years on December 28, 2008, she moved to Lexington, Kentucky to spend time with her two youngest grandchildren, Reed and Raleigh. She enjoyed watching them grow up from toddlers to college students. She loved volunteering at their elementary school, Seton Catholic School, helping students on class projects. Patricia regularly attended her grandson’s activities including Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities, baseball and basketball games, school award and graduation ceremonies, and attended mass with them on Sundays. As the grandchildren grew older, she was excited to see the arrival of a new generation and loved playing with Karmyn and Grayson. 

Patricia was a fantastic cook, but most importantly a loving wife, wonderful mother and grandmother, and a devoted member of her Catholic communities. She embraced life and cherished every moment with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert R. Craft; her parents, Herman B. and Ruby E. Reed; and her sisters, Betty J. Torbert and Sarah E. Blankinchip. She is survived by three children, Gilbert R. (Deena) Craft, Jr., Patrica C. Fagan, and Matthew R. (Kirsten) Craft; five grandchildren Tiffani M. (Stacey) Craft, Joshua R. Craft, Blakeley D. Fagan, Reed A. Craft, and Raleigh C. Craft; two great-grandchildren, Karmyn E. Craft and Grayson L. Craft; and one sister Belvia R. Mason. 

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral services. The funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 8025 E. State St., Citronelle, AL with Rev. John Coghlan officiating. Hailey C. Morgan and Mary Shannon Hope are the lectors, and the eulogy will be delivered by Tiffani M. Craft and Blakeley D. Fagan. Pallbearers are Reed A. Craft, Raleigh C. Craft, William M. Craft, Jr., Stephen C. Craft, Joseph P. Craft, Jr., and Jimmy Earl Mason. 

The family would like to express our gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, AL and The Retreat – Hospice by SAAD who worked diligently to care for Patricia and treated her with great love and respect during this difficult journey. "We are eternally grateful."

In lieu of flowers, please considering contributing to:

St. Thomas Aquinas: 8025 E State St. Citronelle, AL 36522

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor New York, NY 10001 

https://alzfdn.org/donate/ 

Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation: 57 West 57th Street, Suite 904 New York, NY 10019

info@alzdiscovery.org - 212.901.8000

https://www.alzdiscovery.org/donate