Dorothy V. Craven 1926-2025
POLAND — It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Dorothy Virginia Craven, 98, who passed away peacefully, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at the home of her daughter, Sandy Collins, with whom she resided. She was a woman of remarkable strength, love and kindness who always put others before herself.
Dorothy was born Oct. 28, 1926, in Middleburg, Virginia, to James and Evelyn Creel Reynolds. She met the love of her life, Woody Craven, when she was 14 years old. They were married two years later, June 12, 1943. Dorothy and Woody had a wonderful marriage of 59 years until Woody passed away in 2002.
Dorothy was a woman of adventurous spirit and the matriarch of the family. She loved going to Myrtle Beach, walking the shoreline, parasailing, riding with motorcyclists during Bike Week and made many family trips and visits over the decades. She had a lifelong interest in sewing and made many of the clothes worn by her daughters when they were growing up. She was an avid storyteller of family lore and history; she could tell you a story that happened 70 years ago like it was yesterday.
She loved her family beyond words; she raised daughters, nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for nearly over five decades. Her love and caring nature never wavered and she was there for anyone and everyone who needed her.
She loved her little dachshund, Astro, who lived an astounding 20 years. Dorothy and Woody ran motels together in St. George, South Carolina, for many years, excelling in their chosen field.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Sandy Collins; her niece, Winnie Mraz; and half-sister, Gloria Jean Rogenski; grandchildren, Michael (Dawn) Collins, Bill (Bianca) Collins, Melissa (James) Marion and Jim (Rachel) Scofield; great-grandchildren, Justin Stanfill, Chase (Alexis) Thompson, Jesse (Alexis) Thompson, Evan Collins and Hunter Collins; great-great-grandchildren, Marley, Liam, Vanity Rose and Vincent Thompson, and Heath, Juliette, Toby, River, Lydia and Austin Scofield.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Woodrow “Woody” Craven; daughter, Debbie Scofield; grandson, Chris Scofield; sisters, Betty Stanish and Milburn “Millie” Hussein; brother, James Raymond Reynolds and half-brother, James Monroe “Sonny” Reynolds; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service will be held later this year.
The family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of Dorothy.
Arrangements are being handled by Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with Dorothy’s family.
(special notice)