WILMINGTON — Nancy Lena Craig, age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Levine & Dickson Hospice House-Southminister in Charlotte surrounded by her beloved family.
She was born on January 27, 1938, in Wilmington, the daughter of Cicero Jacob Craig and Louise Casteen Craig.
Nancy graduated from Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham, class of 1959. She continued her education at NC Baptist Hospital School of Anesthesia (now Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center) in Winston-Salem. Nancy worked as a nurse anesthetist at Rex Hospital in Raleigh for 20 years.
Nancy is survived by her son, Edwin S. Thornton; daughters, Debra Word (David) and Sandra Louise Ayesh (Jawad); grandchildren, Christy Fisher (Kevin), Zack Ayesh, and Lena Ayesh; great granddaughter, Adalyn; great grandson, Brixton; sisters, Mary Jane Merritt and Anne Craig (Hank Weisberg); many extended family members and friends.
Nancy was an amazing intelligent lady who always accomplished whatever she set out to do. She participated in many outdoor activities such as biking, sailing, and hiking. Well into her 70’s she excelled in Senior Triathlons. Most recently she enjoyed more sedate activities like playing cards with friends. Nancy was a well-rounded, fun to be around lady. Most important in her life was her beloved family.
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