ELSIE LEE CRAIG
Elsie "Lee" Craig, age 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital.
Born on March 27, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Elsie and Charles Craig and spent her growing up years in York. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Lander University and a Master of Arts from Converse College. Upon graduation, she taught English at Camden High School before moving to Clemson University at Sumter in 1970, which subsequently became USC Sumter. She was a full professor of English at USC Sumter and, at one point in her career, served as chair of the Arts and Letters Division, was a member of the USC Sumter Partnership Board and an avid USC Sumter fan. Upon her retirement in 1997, Lee was named Distinguished Professor Emerita.
A longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, she served as a deacon and elder, was a member of the Chancel Choir and Joy Ringers and was honored with a life membership in Presbyterian Women. Lee also served on the board of Church Women United.
As a Sumter resident of more than 50 years, Lee embraced the Sumter community and served in a number of civic clubs and organizations.
Anyone who knew Miss Lee would agree that she was one of the kindest, most genteel, humble and loving friends one could ever have. She spent her life caring for and loving others and was a devoted friend to so many.
She was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her lifelong friends, Nita and Marshall Danenburg and many other devoted friends.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow the service at 3 p.m. at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, York.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Bullock Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, you may want to consider a donation to the E. Lee Craig Education Scholarship Endowment, Attn: Vicki Singleton, USC Sumter, 200 Miller Road, Sumter, SC 29150; First Presbyterian Church, 9 W. Calhoun St., Sumter, SC 29150; the SPCA, 1140 S. Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150; or a charity of one's choice.
The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home in Sumter for the arrangements.
You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family's guest book.