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Betty Jean Craft, age 89, passed away on June 4, 2026, at Forrest General Hospital. She was born on November 14, 1936, to Irvin Lloyd “Pete” Duke and Allie Mae Joiner Duke in Money, Mississippi.
Betty loved to joke and make people laugh, and she did so with the kind of timing that could make anyone pause and smile. She had a joyful way about her that reminded others that a cheerful heart is good medicine, and she certainly shared plenty of it. Her laughter was sincere, her kindness was steady, and her presence was a blessing to all who knew her. She was a longtime member of New Hope Baptist Church.
Betty adored her family, and they were truly her greatest accomplishment. She cherished each of them deeply and took great pride in the lives they built. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bronson Roosevelt Craft; sons, Michael Allen Craft and Raymond Earl Craft; two brothers, Charles Duke and Buddy Duke; and son-in-law, Thomas Crawford.
She is survived by her son, Danny Craft (Lisa), her daughters, Wanda Craft McKenney, Beverly Craft Crawford, and Ginger Craft. She was blessed with six grandchildren, Carey Barrett (Carol), Brian Craft (Magen), Catlin McKenney (Lacie), Chad McKenney (Emily), Jennifer Bain (Jacob), and Kevin Craft (Hollie). She also leaves behind nineteen great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren, each of whom was touched by her warmth, her humor, and her steadfast love.
Services will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026 at New Hope Baptist Church at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Tutor Funeral Home in Magee, MS from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on Monday, June 8, at New Hope Baptist Church from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Bro. Jimmy Arender officiating.
Pallbearers are Greg Boykin, Craig Magee, Joe Ponder, Joey Bass, Terry Lucas, and Robert Duke.
Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Ford, Robert Dale Rigsby, Joe Watts, Glenn Duke, and Angie Duke Lawrence.
Events
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Monday, June 8, 2026
Monday, June 8, 2026
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