Elizabeth Craig Thomas

Elizabeth Craig Tate Thomas, age 76, of the Pleasant Gardens Community, went home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of Monday, February 26, 2018, following a brief illness at Blue Ridge Healthcare (Grace Hospital) in Morganton.  The daughter of the late Locke and Mildred Padgett Tate, Craig, as many knew her by, was born in McDowell County, North Carolina, on October 2, 1941.

A loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many, Craig had retired as a 5th grade school teacher from Glenwood Elementary School and was an assistant teacher at Pleasant Gardens Elementary School prior to transferring to Glenwood.  An avid sports fan, she took great pride in supporting the basketball teams that her son, Allen coached.  A large supporter of the Democratic Party, Ms. Thomas was a member of the Christians Women Club.

A member of First Presbyterian Church of Marion, she served as the church organist since 2005, and was a former member of Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church where she had served close to 50 years.  Craig ministered to thousands through music and played at many different events from weddings to funerals.  She has touched many lives throughout the years and will be missed by all that knew her.

Left to cherish her precious memories, special companion, Mr. William “Bill” Greenlee; one son, Allen Tate (Missy) of Marion; one brother, Keith Tate (Vanda); one grandson, who she was proud of, Michael Tate (Morgan) of Mount Airy; one nephew, Vance Tate (Renate) and their children, Logan, McKinley and Holden of Greensboro; and one niece Amy Read (Lance) and their children, Colin and Alex of Charlotte.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Marion.

A celebration of Craig’s life will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Marion with Dr. Larry Gragg, Rev. Coy Jeans, Rev. Harold Webb and Rev. Jacob Douylliez officiating.  Interment will follow at Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Craig’s memory are asked to consider, American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Virginia 22312 or by visiting www.diabetes.org.