In McKinney, Texas on June 25, 2022, Ina Joyce Craig passed peacefully due to complications associated with vascular dementia. Joyce, or “Tootsie” to her family, was born on January 7, 1935 in Ida, Louisiana to Jenness Courtney and Lavonia (Sams) Courtney. As a teen, Joyce was known for her ability to memorize and interpret biblical scripture, a gift that would win numerous competitions and serve as the foundation of her Christian faith. After completing her high school education, Joyce moved to Shreveport, Louisiana where she began her career in banking and financial administrative services. It was here she met the love of her life, Johnny Earl Craig. They wed on May 13, 1960 and relocated to Fort Bliss, Texas where Johnny was completing his military service. Following his discharge, the couple returned to Shreveport to resume their respective careers in banking. After the birth of their son, Mark, the couple moved to Dallas, Texas where they enjoyed many wonderful years of family life. Beyond work, Joyce enjoyed traveling with her husband to Italy and Hawaii, her favorite places to be with the man she loved. To Joyce, family and friends meant everything. Her love for others could never be measured in words alone; however, she had a unique way of letting you know just how special you were. This continued until the last days of her life.
In 2006, the Craig’s moved to McKinney, Texas where they settled into suburban life enjoying the slower pace of things. Joyce enjoyed cooking out, long drives in the country and listening to her usual Saturday night gospel shows. She was a prolific singer in her own mind and all you needed to discount that talent was to be physically present in the room when it occurred. This was mom’s way of making you laugh or making you leave. As her health declined, she had the presence of mine to determine the path of her final years. In March of this year, Joyce elected to enter home hospice care following a change in her physical condition. She passed with grace and dignity, unafraid and surrounded by those who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Mary Courtney, Jimmy Courtney, Donald Courtney, J.D. Courtney, Jr., Bobbie (Courtney) McDoniel, Faye (Courtney) Feducia. She is survived by her husband of sixty-two-years, Johnny Earl Craig; son, Dr. Mark A. Craig and family of McKinney, Texas; sister, Delma Ruth Brown of Opelousas, Louisiana; and numerous nephews and nieces; and Jackie, her beloved Jack Russell whose kisses she will surely miss.
Our family thanks all of those who participated in her daily care, especially Heidi and Claudia. You gave us strength when we needed it and provided compassionate, loving care that everyone should be as fortunate to receive. Although we miss you dearly, we know that you rest in eternal peace until we are together once again.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will be livestreamed at the following link; https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/ina-joyce-craig. The recorded version will be available for viewing at the same location after the service.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Friday, July 1, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.