Connie Ellen Crafton

Connie Crafton, 91, went to her eternal rest July 22, 2025, after a brief hospice stay. She was born Aug 10, 1933, in Portia, Ar and lived most of her life in Craighead County, graduating from Egypt High School. She was a member of Central Baptist Church, and served as a volunteer there for many years. She valued her friends and family and was a great wife, daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, teammate, travel buddy, dog mom, and friend.

She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Bertha (Ballard) Wagoner, her husband of 64 years, Elwood Crafton, her sister, Bettie (Steve) Schleiff and her brother, Fred Dewayne (Bonnie) Wagoner.

She is survived by one brother Joel  (Jeannie) Wagoner and a loving group of nieces and nephews, who were always ready to eat some of Auntie's chocolate pie.

She worked from the cotton fields in her youth to the County Clerks office and several professional jobs as Elwood pursued degrees, but then landed in the job that defined her- Teacher. She loved her first classes at Egypt elementary and retired after a 22 year career as a counselor at Westside Junior High. She always had a great heart for “her” kids and maintained contact with many thru the years.

She enjoyed sewing, needlework and knitting/crocheting. Many beautiful works of art grace her family and friend’s homes. She was a dedicated bowler and her friends and teammates, enjoyed traveling to tournaments with her. She traveled extensively- exploring the world visiting six continents and 54 countries. She enjoyed sports- attending games at ASU  and cheering for her favorite Cardinals.

We will celebrate her life and enjoy remembrances on Saturday July 26, 2025. Visitation will be in Emerson Memorial Chapter at 1pm, followed by service at 2pm. Burial will be conducted privately.  Memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church Batesville in honor of Gods Kitchen Crew, or the National Kidney Foundation.