Elsie Lee Craig

Sumter, SC …. Elsie “Lee” Craig, age 81, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2021, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital.

Born March 27, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Elsie and Charles Craig and spent her growing up years in York, SC.  She received a BA from Lander University and a MA from Converse College.  Upon graduation, she taught English at Camden High School before moving to Clemson University at Sumter in 1970, which subsequently became USC Sumter.  She was a full Professor of English at USC Sumter and at one point in her career, served as Chair of the Arts and Letters Division, was a member of the USC Sumter Partnership Board, and an avid USC Sumter fan.  Upon her retirement in 1997, Lee was named Distinguished Professor Emerita.

A long time member of First Presbyterian Church, she served a deacon and elder, was a member of the Chancel Choir and Joy Ringers and was honored with a Life Membership in Presbyterian Women.  Lee also served on the Board of Church Women United.

As a Sumter resident of more than 50 years, Lee embraced the Sumter community and served in a number of civic clubs and organizations.

Anyone who knew Miss Lee would agree that she was one of the kindest, most genteel, humble and loving friend one could ever have.  She spent her life caring for and loving others and was a devoted friend to so many.

She was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her lifelong friends, Nita and Marshall Danenburg and many other devoted friends.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church.  Interment will follow the service at 3:00 pm in the Lakeview Memorial Gardens, York, SC.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Bullock Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, you may want to consider a donation to the E. Lee Craig Education Scholarship Endowment, Attn: Vicki Singleton, USC Sumter, 200 Miller Rd., Sumter, SC 29150, or First Presbyterian Church, 9 W. Calhoun St., Sumter, SC 29150, or the SPCA, 1140 S. Guignard Dr., Sumter, SC 29150 or a charity of one’s choice.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home in Sumter for the arrangements.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elsie Lee Craig, please visit our floral store.