Wilma Smith-Craig

Wilma Allene Keller was born August 5th, 1934 on a farm in Eubank, Kentucky to parents Calvin and Sophia Keller. She graduated from Eubank High School with honors in 1953. Wilma played volleyball & folk games, served on the annual, library & Bulldog Bugle staffs and sang in the Junior Chorus & Senior play. Wilma's high school crush, asked her out "on a dare" from his schoolmate. They soon became high school sweethearts and she and Jimmie Lewis Smith married a year after her graduation in 1954. The Smiths joyously welcomed their first born son, Jeffrey Smith, into the world in 1955. Tragically, in 1958, Jeffrey was killed in a tractor accident on Mother's Day. The following year, Jimmie was drafted and Wilma became an Army wife. The young couple were stationed at Ft. Knox for several years.

When their tour of duty was over, they moved to Cincinnati, where their second son, Gregory Smith, was born in 1962. At the tender age of 4, Greg was diagnosed with pediatric kidney cancer. Once again, Wilma drew upon her fervent faith in God to get her through more devastating news. She stayed faithfully by her "Greggy's" side as he underwent kidney surgery, Cobalt treatments & countless checkups at Cincinnati Children's Hospital for many years. She was a fiercely dedicated Mom! Wilma was also a diligent worker at McAlpins Department store and a loyal member of the Church of Christ. She was active in Greg's young life & even served as his Cub Scout leader. She proudly watched him play numerous sports & graduate from both high school & college. He married Dawn Barnes in 1988 & together they raised her 3 BEAUTIFUL granddaughters - Olivia Smith Willis, Amanda Smith & Sophia Smith Southard. Wilma cherished taking an active role in each of their lives, she was an awesome Nana to all the girls.

After her marriage to Jimmie ended, Wilma remarried Thomas Craig in 2000 and gained 3 step-daughters - Sharon Craig, Rebecca Phaup and Tracey Bender and two granddaughters - Rachel Bender and Katie Bender. She & Tom loved to travel and went on many fun excursions & cruises. They could be found at their church nearly every Sunday morning and evening and often enjoyed their Skyline or Gold Star Chili lunches between services. Wilma was an avid Reds and Bengals fan, she loved watching them on TV. On mulitiple occassions, she and Tom & their daughters attended games in person. Her son Greg remarried, Mandy Summers, in December of 2017. Wilma and Tom traveled to South Carolina for their wedding. She not only added a new daughter-in-law but 2 more grandchildren - Lake Summers, II & Samantha Summers to her Nana roster. At that time, she also had 2 great-grandsons - Harlyn Willis & Ellston Willis. Everyone was included the wedding.

Wilma was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019 & began suffering the effects of Macular Degeneration. She did everything for she & her husband for many years, but in May of 2024, after a serious fall, doctor's felt Wilma could no longer take care of herself or Tom. Greg & Mandy brought Wilma to live in their home in South Carolina & Tom moved into a memory care facility in Cincinnatti. While living in South Carolina, Wilma enjoyed living on the lake, watching her game shows, doing puzzles & her sticker books. She was especially touched when her granddaughter Amanda asked to move from Kentucky to South Carolina to help care for her. She kept up with church friends, former neighbors & familiy via phone. She especially looked forward to chats with her adored sisters, Doris Dick & Ruth Angel & was thrilled when each came to visit her. Sunday calls with granddaughter Sophia always made her week, as did watching her home church service via livestream on Greg's computer. She was also thrilled to welcome great-grandson number 3, Johny Washburn, in January of 2024.

Wilma passed away peacefully February 3rd, 2025 in Greg & Mandy's home in South Carolina with them both by her side. She epitomized motherly strength, unwavering faith and a humble spirit. Her legacy of kindess & modesty has surely pleased the Lord. We, her family, find peace knowing that He welcomed His good and faithful servant with open arms into His heavenly kingdom.

A funeral service will be held at 2PM Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Morris & Hislope Funeral Home with Bro. Scott Wyatt officiating.

Burial will follow at Etna Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11AM until time for services.

Flowers may be ordered from Patriot Petals or a donation made to Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

Morris & Hislope Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.