of Little Rock, AR
February 5, 1940 - January 21, 2025
Sammie Joan McCraw, age 84, departed this life January 21, 2025. She was born February 5, 1940 in Enola, AR to the late Coy Cardin Sr. and Bonnie McDonald Cardin. She was preceded in death by a brother, Coy Cardin Jr.; two sisters, Bernice Springer and Sybil Fleshman and her husband of 57 years, James W. McCraw. She is survived by her two sons, James R. McCraw (Donna) of Pearland TX and Philip McCraw (Michele) of Little Rock, AR; one grandson, Nick McCraw (Amy) of Bishop TX; one granddaughter, Farrah Milota (David) of White Sands Missile Range, NM and five great-grandchildren, Ryan, Logan and Madison McCraw and Travis and Tyler Milota. She was a member of Hebron Baptist Church.
Sammie had a special place in her heart for elderly people. She spent a great deal of her free time helping shut-ins so they could stay in their homes and not have to go to the nursing home. She cleaned their house, went to the grocery store, drug store, bank and any other chores they needed done. She helped James mow their yards and do repairs around their homes. She always made sure they got a gift for their birthday and Christmas, Father's Day and Mother's Day. At special holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, she fixed up a plate and took them.
One of her sons mentioned to her that he remembered we always went to Homer Banks house and took him a plate every Christmas. Mr. Banks was a black man that was old and lived by himself. She was pleased that he remembered this. If she went out to lunch, she always picked up a slice of pie and took to them and visited a while. If she went to Branson, she usually had to call and make sure they were OK. She made time for whatever they needed even if she had something already planned. They went to the top of the list. Really, they were just like family to her. James always raised a garden and these elderly people really enjoyed when we cooked and took them a plate of fresh vegetables.
Sammie was a very private person who didn't like people fussing over her and she didn't like fancy things. She just wanted everything very simple. She loved gospel music concerts and 5th Sunday singings and going to museums. She always looked at the Saturday paper that listed the churches having a gospel singing and she attended many singings at these churches. Any time they were making a trip she looked up the museums along the way and would spend hours going through a museum.
A visitation will begin at 12:00 with funeral services beginning at 1:00pm Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Hebron Baptist Church with Brother Ed Hinkson officiating. Entombment will follow at 3:00pm at Rest Hills Memorial Park in North Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hebron Baptist Church, 8715 Kanis Road, Little Rock, AR 72223.
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14 Condolence(s)
Martina Knight
Sunday, February 2, 2025
I cared for Ms.Sammie for almost a year and it was honestly a blessing to have cared for her. Her hair was her pride an joy on top of making others smile an laugh. I started my weeks off seeing her first thing Monday morning a sometimes sitting an having hit chocolate a waffles with her . She will be missed by so many an has made a special impact on my life a career as a CNA .
Baljeet Beharry
Friday, January 24, 2025
When I first come to this country from Guyana to Arkansas I didn't know anyone there .I met Philip and wife Michael and his mom ,dad .they we're the most beautiful and friendly people I come to know. His mom and dad were a real jem .Mom I will always remember your kindness. As a person puts on new garment by giving up old ones.the soul similarly accept a new body by giving up the old one .
Christi Pinkerton
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Phil and Michele,
Sending thoughts and prayers to you both. Please accept my condolences for your loss.
Christi
Rickey McCraw II
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Rickey McCraw II
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Jennifer Steuber
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
My dearest best friend - I have had the honor of being one of your caregivers for the past almost 3 years. And when I say that my love grew with each day we spent together it is no exaggeration. I will miss all the hilarious and quick witted comebacks you came at me with. I appreciate you always keeping me on my toes in the best way.
I will miss walking in and seeing your beautiful face with that Cheshire Cat grin and of course your PERFECT hair.
The selfish part of me is so very devastated but I know you are finally with your husband and with Jesus. I love you Sammie Joan and I will never forget you.
I Love you
Jennifer
To Phillip and Michelle - the love that you showed to your momma always left me in awe. Anytime she needed something no matter how small you were there in moments. She talked about you often. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be part of your momma. She is one of the best humans I have ever met in my life…..
Linda Helms
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jennifer Steuber
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
My dearest best friend - I have had the honor of being one of your caregivers for the past almost 3 years. And when I say that my love grew with each day we spent together it is no exaggeration. I will miss all the hilarious and quick witted comebacks you came at me with. I appreciate you always keeping me on my toes in the best way.
I will miss walking in and seeing your beautiful face with that Cheshire Cat grin and of course your PERFECT hair.
The selfish part of me is so very devastated but I know you are finally with your husband and with Jesus. I love you Sammie Joan and I will never forget you.
I Love you
Jennifer
To Phillip and Michelle - the love that you showed to your momma always left me in awe. Anytime she needed something no matter how small you were there in moments. She talked about you often. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be part of your momma. She is one of the best humans I have ever met in my life…..
Carol Duff
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
I never met Mrs. McCraw but I know her son Phil. He spoke a nice eulogy for my late husband when a group that we rode motorcycle with on our ride to scatter my late husband's ashes. May you rest in peace.
William &Carol McCraw
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Our prayers and love go out to the family.
Harvey and Judy Adkins
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
God is never early nor late.
His timing is not ours. I think of a song (in HIS Time).
We share a favorite song called:
The Lighthouse.
Another appropriate song for this time is (Finally Home).
She is indeed Finally Home!
We'll see you again, In His Time.
Lisa Howard
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
I had the pleasure of being ms Sammies caregiver. I loved her with all my heart she was very witty an had a quick comeback for all conversations. Easy to see how she was everyone's favorite!!! Rest in peace I love u !!
Glenn Prentice
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Grew up across the street from the McCraw family. Spent many hours sitting at their dining table just chatting about the neighborhood. Knew Sammie for over 60 years.
Mark Peterson
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.