Obituary of Eleanor Craig

Eleanor was born June 7th, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Thomas and Ethel Watford. She was the second of three children and their only daughter.  Eleanor was also raised and educated in Philadelphia. Eleanor was formally married to Randolph Scott and from that union, three children were born, Arnita, Gregory, and Eric (Keith).  On April 24th, 1971,  she married Arthur T. Craig Sr. From that union, Tamara was born. They were married for 50 years. Eleanor, affectionately known as “Ellie” had a beautiful soul.  She provided a loving and nurturing home to many family members and friends.  She was best known for baking her homemade cakes and cooking meals that warmed the soul.  Many looked forward to her cookouts, Thanksgiving dinners, and Christmas brunches.  There was always plenty of food that soothed many souls over the years.  Ellie was also a Charter Member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 224, in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. Ellie also enjoyed traveling, sewing, crocheting, crafting, reading, and spending time with family.  She was one of the driving forces behind many family reunions and often served on the reunion committees.  She knew just about every member and how they were related through the many branches of the family tree.  Ellie was the oldest female cousin and was often referred to as the “Family Jewel”.  Ellie was baptized and saved at a very young age and had a strong love for God and the church.  She had been a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Woodlyn (previously located in Merchantville),  NJ for over 30 years, and served as an usher until her illness.  She leaves behind to cherish her memory: husband, Arthur T Craig Sr.; children, Arnita (Sylvester), Gregory, Keith, and Tamara (Brian);  grandchildren, Kareem, Sareeta, Eric Jr., Keyon, Teyonnia, Sean, Shawna, Kareema, Camryn, Jaden, Brian Jr., Naomie; 13 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; A stepson Arthur Jr.; Brothers, Thomas Watford Jr., and Irven Watford (Diane), cousins who were like sisters to her, Jackie Bowens Powell and Patricia Bowens Russell; aunts, uncles, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins galore. Ellie also had a lifelong friendship with former Philadelphia neighbor and best friend, Jackie Bishop.  She was also dearly beloved in her church community.