Susan Smith Craig, age 80, of Knoxville passed away peacefully on January 4, 2016 at Ft. Sanders Hospital surrounded by her children due to complications of leukemia. She lived a long and independent life after successfully defeating three prior cancer diagnoses. Susan was a beloved role model to many. Her sweetness, strength, support, and wisdom blessed the lives of her four successful children and showed her ten grandchildren how to embrace life with laughter and joy. She treasured her family and her many friendships and her life reflected these priorities. Susan also enjoyed reading, music and gardening.

She was preceded in death by her husband Chapman Craig; parents Robert Everette and Martha Smith of Pulaski, TN; brother Robert Smith of Manchester, TN; and sister Jean Mackey of Pulaski, TN. She is survived by daughter Robin Mitchell and grandchildren Clark and Graham Mitchell of Spring Hill, TN; son David and wife Lee Ann Craig and grandchildren Jackson and Sydney Craig of Knoxville, TN; son Michael and wife Melanie Craig and grandchildren Hannah, Julia and Chapman Craig of Knoxville, TN; and son Allen and wife Valerie Craig and grandchildren Isaac, Isabella and Eli Craig of Mt. Juliet, TN.

The family will receive friends Sunday January 10 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. Mark United Methodist Church on Northshore Dr., Knoxville, TN. A celebration of life service will follow immediately afterward. Future interment with husband Chapman will take place at the East TN Veterans Cemetery on Lyons View Pike. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Susan Craig to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or to St. Mark United Methodist Church 7001 S. Northshore Dr. Knoxville, TN 37919.

Published in Knoxville News Sentinel from Jan. 7 to Jan. 10, 2016