Velma Jean Brooks Craft, 77, of Covington, passed peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father on December 26, 2023, at her residence.

She was born February 24, 1946, in Covington, a daughter of the late Frank and Agnes Honaker Brooks. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Jonathan “Jon Jon” Craft; and four sisters, Lucille Markham, Frances Burhenn, Vivian Pendleton, and Mary Barber.

Mrs. Craft worked as a CNA for Americare Plus and privately as a sitter for many years. She was a member of Grace Brethren Church, and she loved serving the Lord. She loved being with her family and loved getting together with family and friends for any occasion. Being a mother to seven children, Velma prided herself on winning the Mother’s Day event at church. As a hobby, she loved collecting angels.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, James R. Craft of Covington; her children, Jimmie (Michelle) Craft of Salem, Jeff (Lois James) Craft of Prince George, Julie (Greg) Downer of Covington, Jacqueline (Trevor) Elkins of Covington, Jason (Missy Byer) Craft of Covington, Joy (Jerry) Hale of Clifton Forge; ten grandchildren, Stephen Craft, Melaina Whitt, Brittney Laws, Brooke Wolfe, Madison Tolley, Sierra Ryder, Lauren Downer, Nathan Craft, Karah Dobson, and Logan Craft;  eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley and Jay Keith of Hampton;  numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Barbara Hancock Peters of Roanoke and Christine Hale of Clifton Forge.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Gilliland officiating.  

The family will receive their friends on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Arritt Funeral Home.

Interment will be made in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Friends wishing to send condolences to the family online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com

A livestream of the service will be available at the following link:  https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcwMzcxNjUyMDI4NzU0MyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==