Doris "Dot" Morgan Craig passed away on Friday, October 25, surrounded by family after a courageous 16-year battle with ataxia. She persevered bravely throughout those years with the same energy and courage that defined her earlier life. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 28, at St. Joseph Cathedral, 412 North Street, beginning with a musical tribute to Dot at 10:15. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00. Visitation will be Sunday, October 27, at Rabenhorst Funeral Home on Government from 5:00-7:00 PM. Dot was preceded in death by her loving husband, Emmett T. Craig, Jr.; her parents, John and Anna Morgan; her brothers Evan Morgan, Roy Morgan, and Tootie Morgan; and her sisters Grace Carpenter and Gene Egleston. She is survived by her sister, Peggy Pennington Cole; her children, Carolyn Prator (Steve), Doug Craig (Barbara), and Kitty Griffin (Don); her grandchildren Jency Hogan (Aaron), Dori Place (Will), Ali Griffin, McKenzie Griffin, Elizabeth Fontenot (Jarrett), David Craig (Amy), John Craig, Craig Dowling (Danyelle), and Jill Dowling; and her great grandchildren, James Fontenot, Judah Place, and Mason Scott. Many loved nieces and nephews also survive her. Dot was born at Angola Prison on January 3, 1928 (her father was an overseer). She attended Central High School in Baton Rouge and Northwestern State University, where she was a campus beauty and involved in numerous choirs and bands. Then she met Emmett, and, after he convinced her to go out with him to a July Fourth picnic, they were married three months later at St. Joseph Cathedral. Family then became the focus of her love and energy. A special joy was the 50-year tradition of Florida beach vacations filled with feeding children and grandchildren delicious meals, walking on the beach looking for shells, and watching beautiful sunsets. Besides a love of family, Dot had a passion for community service. She was involved in numerous organizations including Camp Fire Girls, Crisis Intervention Center, Junior League, Rotary Club, Baton Rouge Foundation, Board of Realtors (President), Chamber of Commerce, and the Baton Rouge Symphony. The greatest joy of her volunteer life was singing in the choirs at St. Aloysius and St. Joseph. Dot earned many honors for her service and was recently awarded the St. Joseph Appreciation Award and the Edith Kilpatrick Award from the Baton Rouge Symphony. To Dot her community work was never done. And that's the way she liked it! At Emmett's suggestion, Dot became a Realtor in 1966 with C.J. Brown. She loved people and always wanted her customers happy, which was the key to her success. One time she personally bought back a house because her clients were not satisfied. Specializing in relocation, she befriended many Baton Rouge newcomers, introducing them around the city and inviting them to events, including her holiday table. She later formed her own company, Dot Craig Realty, and loved being in charge. Throughout her life Dot was a gracious hostess and a gourmet cook. A delicious meal and wonderful conversation (along with Emmett's jokes) were to be expected when she entertained. Her lovely home on "Golden Pond" was the setting for many community events and parties, the door always open. Her faith, kindness, courage, positive attitude, and devotion to her family and friends will be remembered for years to come. Dot's family is grateful for your thoughts and prayers and kinds words as we walked this last part of the journey with her. Although there are too many to list, we would especially like to thank Marie Constantine, Nellyn Aguilar, Joe Lotwick, Tejas Vora, Don and Gerry Daigle; Ellen, Alice, Loretta, and Niki of TLC Homecare; Susan and the Butterfly Wing of Hospice of Baton Rouge; and her best friend, Kika Rodriquez. May God bless all of you. Dot's kindness and love for her family were present each and every day and will be greatly missed. We were fortunate to have her as our mom and grandmother. She has left us with a legacy of unconditional love, and family values. Although we will miss her terribly, we know that there is now a new voice in the heavenly choir. Sing on, Dot, sing on. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Baton Rouge Symphony, St. Joseph Cathedral or the charity of the donor's choice. Please visit the online guest-book at www.rabenhorst.com.
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A Real Pal. Never to be forgotten.
Fred Huber
Friend
October 20, 2022
Introduced us to Baton Rouge in1991 became a Pal from the start and remained so until the end. Surely thankful for every minute "in touch" and every crawfish shared!
Fred Huber
October 20, 2020
Dot was the first person my wife and I met on our visit to Baton Rouge to think about moving there to take a job. That was in the fall of 1991. We moved there and stayed for ten years with Dot as a close Pal and she remained that until her passing, after numerous visits in our motor coach which we parked in her yard Still have the "garlic tree" she gave us as a housewarming gift - in the house she found for us! Lost my wife this week seven years ago. Hope they're socializing somewhere!
Fred Huber
Friend
October 20, 2019
Where do I begin? Dot was the first person to befriend my wife Edna, when we made an "exploratory visit" to Baton Rouge in 1991. She sold us a house, became a Pal, and has remained so, and will always be. We lost Edna a year ago and now we've lost Dot. Spent a lot of times in her Regal Company, ate a lot of crawfish on her porch, said a lot of prayers for her well-being. I thank God for the experience. Still have the "house-warming" garlic tree she gave us. Thanks for the memories, Dear Old Pal!
Fred Huber
November 4, 2013
Kitty, I am very sorry to hear about your mom passing. She is with Our Lord and is rejoicing in her new heavenly home. I know you miss her and i pray that you find comfort, Love and prayers
Vicki Melancon
October 30, 2013
Dear Carolyn,
Jim and I just heard about your Mom and we are so,so sorry.
We are sending love to you all and keeping you in our thoughts. Love, Martha and Jim Harriss
Mrs James G Harriss
October 29, 2013
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Mrs Craig was a beautiful lady. I thank God for bringing her into my life.She had a beautiful spirit and always encourage me to spend time with my family.
Diane Matthews
October 29, 2013
We will never forget the time we spent with you and Ms. Dot during her final days. She was a courageous woman and her daughters are just like her. Love, Joyce and Bonnie (from IPU)
October 28, 2013
To the Craig family my sincere condolences. What a great lady who did so much for our community. May the love of family and friends, and the memories of happies times sustain you in the days ahead.
Pam Bordelon
October 28, 2013
Doug, Kitty and Carolyn-I wasn't able to attend the funeral today. I want you all to know that your family has always been a part of our lives. Dot is now in peace and has left a wonderful legacy. You are all in my prayers. Much Love, Stephanie Dufour Dodge
October 28, 2013
I want to convey my condolences to the Craig family. I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you.
October 28, 2013
TO:CAROLYN, DOUG AND KITTY;
YOUR MOM WAS A GUARDIAN ANGEL TO ME, MANY YEARS AGO AND NOW I KNOW SHE IS STILL WATCHING OVER ALL OF US.
DOROTHY VOLTAIRE
October 28, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
October 28, 2013
With special thanks for your many kindnesses, hosting Irva and me for many years.
Peter Stroux
October 28, 2013
Kitty, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Stephanie Carter Boudreaux (LHS '73)
October 27, 2013
Dear Kitty and Don in the loss of Dot........ She was always so welcoming and opened her home to so many. She is an unforgettable person. Our prayers are with you, Dee and Pete
October 27, 2013
Kitty, I am sorry to hear about your mother. I am praying for you and your family. Love, Becky
Rebecca Beale-Browning
October 26, 2013
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