1951
Wilma
2018
Wilma Craig (Bays)
July 20, 1951 — January 26, 2018
Wilma Craig, musician, entertainer and kind-hearted family women, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2018 in Fort Wayne’s Lutheran Hospital. She was 66 years old.
Although many knew her as “Wilma Dee,” the name under which she performed, she was born Wilma Grace Craig on July 20, 1951 in Warsaw, Indiana. Her father, Erman Bays and mother, Grace (Arnett) Bays both preceded her in passing.
Wilma graduated from Pierceton High School and attended college in Fort Wayne where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Wilma was married to Jody Craig on March 14, 1985.
A musician and entertainer, Wilma spent 26 years playing guitar, bass and banjo in Nashville, TN. She performed at the Grand Ole Opry and played with Travis Tritt, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Jr. and Dolly Parton during her years as a performer. She would continue her musical outreach at home in Warsaw where she enjoyed working with children and putting on benefits for those in need.
Wilma had been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary as well as Lady Moose. She was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels and had a dynamic personality that could brighten any room.
Those who survive include her husband, Jody Craig of Warsaw; daughter, Patricia (John) Kilburne of Monticello, KY; son, Jason Marsillett of Warsaw; sisters: Laurie Clingerman of Columbia City, Nila Borerman and Tammy Harding both of Warsaw; uncle, Bill Arnett of Warsaw and aunt, Leorie Bradley of North Manchester. She is also survived by two grandsons, Jimmy Lemons and John Lawrence Kilburne, and 9 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Wilma was preceded in passing by her daughter, Shanna Coleman.
Visitation will be at Titus Funeral Home in Warsaw on Friday, February 2nd from 3 to 7 p.m. Wilma’s funeral will begin at 7 o’clock and will be officiated by Pastor Glen Hughes of Lighthouse Pentecostal Church.
The Staff of Titus Funeral Home is honored to have been trusted with the care of the friends and family of Wilma Craig.
Although many knew her as “Wilma Dee,” the name under which she performed, she was born Wilma Grace Craig on July 20, 1951 in Warsaw, Indiana. Her father, Erman Bays and mother, Grace (Arnett) Bays both preceded her in passing.
Wilma graduated from Pierceton High School and attended college in Fort Wayne where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Wilma was married to Jody Craig on March 14, 1985.
A musician and entertainer, Wilma spent 26 years playing guitar, bass and banjo in Nashville, TN. She performed at the Grand Ole Opry and played with Travis Tritt, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Jr. and Dolly Parton during her years as a performer. She would continue her musical outreach at home in Warsaw where she enjoyed working with children and putting on benefits for those in need.
Wilma had been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary as well as Lady Moose. She was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels and had a dynamic personality that could brighten any room.
Those who survive include her husband, Jody Craig of Warsaw; daughter, Patricia (John) Kilburne of Monticello, KY; son, Jason Marsillett of Warsaw; sisters: Laurie Clingerman of Columbia City, Nila Borerman and Tammy Harding both of Warsaw; uncle, Bill Arnett of Warsaw and aunt, Leorie Bradley of North Manchester. She is also survived by two grandsons, Jimmy Lemons and John Lawrence Kilburne, and 9 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Wilma was preceded in passing by her daughter, Shanna Coleman.
Visitation will be at Titus Funeral Home in Warsaw on Friday, February 2nd from 3 to 7 p.m. Wilma’s funeral will begin at 7 o’clock and will be officiated by Pastor Glen Hughes of Lighthouse Pentecostal Church.
The Staff of Titus Funeral Home is honored to have been trusted with the care of the friends and family of Wilma Craig.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wilma Craig (Bays), please visit our flower store.
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