CLAUDETTE CRAIG

Claudette Craig, affectionately known as Duck, was born on October 13, 1946, in Cartersville, Georgia, to her late parents, Charles Drayton Craig Sr. and Hattie Mae Marshall Craig. She was the ninth of eighteen children, with her twin brother Claude born just before midnight as the eighth, giving them different birthdays. Claudette came from an extraordinary family known not only for its size but also for its academic strength. Her parents once held the record for having the most sets of twins-five-born to the same parents. These included Mack and Moses, Claude and Claudette, Harold and Harriett, Ronald and Donald, and one set of miscarried twins. Alongside these twin births were eight single births. Deloris and William were part of the family's history but did not live long. The family was widely respected for their academic achievements. Harold and Harriett were academically gifted and had earned valedictorian and co valedictorian status, but because they were the first African American students at what had been an all white school, they were denied the title. Claudette was raised in Cartersville and graduated from Summer Hill High School in 1965, where she played softball and basketball. She continued her education at Etowah Valley Technical School, studying office administration and graduating with honors in 1968. In 1972 she moved to Washington DC to build her life and pursue new opportunities. After settling in the District, she continued her training and graduated from Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) in 1975, further strengthening her skills as she entered the federal workforce. Her strong work ethic and steady spirit guided her through a long and dedicated 35 plus year career with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans' Appeals, where she served as a Program Specialist until her retirement in 2012. Claudette was soft spoken and a woman of few words, but she carried a quiet intelligence. She knew every part of speech, handled her business, and became the go to neighborhood tax helper when folks needed assistance. She took tremendous pride in her home, keeping it warm, welcoming, and orderly. Her house was known as the first one on the block with cable and a Betamax, and her children's friends would regularly come over to watch movies. According to the neighborhood, the "word on the street" was that Claudette made the best cornbread and fried chicken around. She enjoyed simple pleasures: cookouts, parties, people watching, crossword puzzles, watching "In the Heat of the Night" and "Little House on the Prairie," and spending time with those she loved. In her earlier years she traveled often, visiting Canada, going on cruises, and returning to Georgia to reconnect with family and friends. She once traveled to Germany with her sisters to visit another sister, Mary Ann, who was stationed there in the military, creating memories they all cherished. On more than one occasion, she took the family to Orlando to visit her daughter Arlisha, and Arlisha would take everyone to Disney World to create lasting memories. Claudette was a devoted and faithful member of New Grove Baptist Church for more than twenty years. She sang in the Senior Choir, served on the Senior Usher Board. She loved her church community and remained committed to her membership. Claudette later united in marriage with Anthony Boroughs, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her twin brother Claude and by her siblings Charles Drayton Craig Jr., Robert Craig, Jeanette Chester, James Lee Craig, William Craig, Mack Craig, Moses Craig, Harriet Brown, Harold Craig, Clarence Craig, and Deloris Craig; as well as her sons Ryan Craig and Charles "Chucky" Craig. She leaves to cherish her memory her siblings Ronald Craig (Phill), Donald Craig, and Mary Ann (Mike); her children Arlisha Yang, Kerrick "Radio" Craig Sr. (Dawn), and Kory Nicholson Sr. (Lijah); and her goddaughter Patsy Anderson. She is also survived by her grandchildren Tamara Burch, Shanta Hayes, Ryan Wright, Christina Minger, Kerrick Craig Jr., Kori Craig, Kaylin Nicholson, Evan Henderson, and Kory "KJ" Nicholson Jr.; and her great grandchildren Charles Proctor, Shayla Proctor, Ryan Casiley, Rylee Jackson, Gabriela Walker Bell, Aliyah Craig, Kayce Patrick, and Kairo Craig. Claudette will be remembered with love by her family, extended relatives, friends, neighbors, and all who were touched by her quiet strength and faithful spirit. Good morning family, I'm sharing the information to access the funeral service for Claudette Craig in person or virtually on Saturday, December 6, 2025 9 am viewing 11 am service Church New Grove Baptist Church 4242 Benning Rd NE Washington, DC 20019 Phone: (202) 399-5726 Cemetery Mount Olivet Cemetery 1300 Bladensburg Road NE Washington DC 20002 Phone 202.399.3000 Here's the schedule: 9:00 am - Viewing 11:00 am - Service Service ends around 12:30 pm Arrive at the cemetery by 1:15ish pm. New Grove Baptist Church will stream the service on Zoom. Zoom Meeting ID: 115040944 You can join by opening the Zoom app or going to zoom.us and entering the Meeting ID. https://heyzine.com/flip-book/9e3965e2ba.html

CLAUDETTE CRAIG

October 13, 1946 - November 17, 2025