Zelda Crafton's Obituary
Zelda Crafton age 89 of St. Augustine passed from this life September 6, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was born and raised in Clearwater, FL and previously resided in the Jacksonville and Leesburg areas. Following high school, Zelda graduated from Florida Christian College in Tampa. She met her husband RC and they married in 1954. She spent her life as a homemaker, devoted to her husband and raising their three daughters. Zelda was known in her neighborhood for her green thumb, and no matter where she & RC lived over the years, they always had the nicest yard in the neighborhood. She was generous with her flowers, sharing with anyone who asked. RC was a railroad engineer, and they traveled many miles together on the train especially after the children were grown and gone. They also enjoyed a number of years of traveling around the country. In 2010 they moved to St. Augustine to live with their daughter, Vicky.
Zelda was also a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, teaching bible classes, visiting, preparing food for others, and doing whatever work she saw that needed to be done. She was the best mother ever; loved and cherished by her family. In her later years she was not quite herself due to Alzheimer’s, but she always had a smile, kind word and a thank you to those who helped her. A special thanks to Riverside Cottages for the loving care they provided in her last years.
Zelda was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years RC, parents Oswald & Grace Laurence, sisters: Judy Groth & Shirley Bandy. Zelda is survived by her three daughters: Cheryl (Jerry) Whitted of Greeneville, TN, Vicky (Paul) Oakes of St. Augustine and Becky Crafton of Chuckey, TN along with two grandchildren: Sarah (Spencer) Jennings and Luke (Jessica) Whitted , and two great grandchildren Carsyn & Whitt.
Zelda was a member of the South Jacksonville Church of Christ. She will be buried with her husband at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Page-Theus Funeral Home, Leesburg, FL
In lieu of flowers, any donation may be made to local hospice in Zelda's loving memory.
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