Dorothy Virginia Craven

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy Virginia Craven, age 98. She passed away peacefully on Friday, January 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 on October 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 on June 12, 1943 and they had a wonderful marriage of 59 years together. 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 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 and could tell you a story that happened 70 years ago like it was yesterday. 

She loved her family beyond words and raised daughters, nieces, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren over nearly 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, SC, for many years and excelled 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, Jim (Rachel) Scofield, great-grandchildren: Justin Stanfill, Chase (Alexis) Thompson, Jesse (Alexis) Thompson, Evan Collins, Hunter Collins; great-great-grandchildren, Marley, Liam, Vanity Rose, and Vincent Thompson, Heath, Juliette, Toby, River, Lydia, and Austin Scofield. 

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 that material tributes take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in memory of Dorothy. 

Arrangements are being handled by Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N Main Street in Poland. 

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with Dorothy's family.