Sharion Deloris Craig

Sharion Deloris Craig, affectionately known as “Lois,” was born on June 15, 1963, in Tippo, Mississippi, to Ada Mae and Elton Simmons, Sr. She departed this life on December 19, 2024, in Chicago Illinois at the age of 61. Sharion completed her primary and secondary education through the Chicago Public School system. She began her educational career at Fuller Elementary School and after her family relocated to the Calumet Heights area, she attended Thomas Hoyne Elementary School and Joseph Warren Middle School. During her attendance at James H. Bowen High School she followed in the footsteps of her older sister and joined the Track and Field team. Sharion excelled in athletics during her high school years and graduated in 1981. Her talents earned her a scholarship to attend Southern University in Louisiana with the help of her coach, Ms. Olia Mae Nellum. After some time, young love rewrote her story, guiding her from the campus of Southern University back to the city of Chicago, where her heart led her to begin a new chapter. In September of 1983 Sharion married Dwight D. Craig, and to that union were born her four children, Sharonda, Philip, Brittany and Veronica. During her early years as a mother Sharion worked for the Spiegal Catalog company and moved on to begin a career with the United States Post Office as a mail handler at the Chicago Main Post Office. Sharion’s highest priority was her family, however in the early 2000’s the shape of that family shifted with the parting of she and her husband. Sharion’s passion for helping with youth developed at a young age and that fire ignited within her the courage to take a leap of faith and leave her career with the post office and return to college attending Chicago State University while working for the Chicago Public School system as a bus attendant. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, graduating in December 2004, showing her family and friends that it’s never too late to pursue a dream or passion. She went on to begin her new career as a teacher at Burnham Anthony Math and Science Academy. During her time as a teacher, Sharion returned to the college campus classroom attending Concordia University with her friend, Nicole Johnson. Her long days and nights as a mother, teacher and student paid off as she celebrated completing her Master’s Degree in December 2009. Her career as a dedicated educator was spent entirely with her Burnham family until the time of her passing. A woman of strong faith, she joined Miracle House of Prayer (formerly Southwestern Missionary Baptist Church) as a teenager. She sang in the choir during her younger years and continued to serve by assisting with ministry needs throughout the church. Sharion’s passion for working with children occurred both in and out of the classroom. She spent her free time with her church family at Miracle House of Prayer assisting with the church’s newsletter, church plays, summer camp and remaining active in Sunday school. The programs and activities Sharion participated in enriched the lives of youth and those in the community who were less fortunate. Sharion had a vibrant spirit, and was commonly known for her creativity and love of crafting. She could be found baking cookies, cakes, and candies for loved ones, designing art décor, or decorating spaces with her unique touch. She always poured her heart into her creations. Sharion also found joy in gardening, developing a green thumb that saved countless plants from neglect of family and friends. While she was a wonderful mother, nothing topped the joy she experienced for her role as Grammie to her four grandchildren Caleb, Kirsten, Elijah and Kaitlyn. She could be found putting her creative skills to the test, sharing her passion for crafting and baking with them. At a young age, they have all learned that Grammie was passionate about young readers, growing their libraries with her favorite classics to their present day desired must haves. She always made a point to let her grandchildren know that their accomplishments at a young age were recognized by her and should be celebrated. If she couldn’t be there in person she needed videos and photos to experience the moment and be able to tell them how much she enjoyed them. Her love for others extended beyond her natural children and grandchildren and stretched out to her nieces, nephews, friends, children of friends, and so many others. She would quietly support endeavors of self improvement, educational goals, and fun filled experiences. Sharion would also offer support to those struggling with life challenges. She would do this not just through her words and actions but would be sure to include godly wisdom and scripture along with it. Sharion’s sudden departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but her legacy of love, faith, hard work and creativity will continue to inspire those who knew her. Lives have been enriched with her infectious laughter, compassionate heart, and wise counsel. Sharion is survived by her mother, Ada Mae Simmons; her children Sharonda (Corey) Cawthon, Philip (Essence) Craig, Brittany, and Veronica Craig; her sister, Patricia (Albert Jr.) Ingram; her brother, Elton Simmons Jr.; grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Elton Simmons, Sr., who passed away in May 2020.

Sharion Deloris Craig

June 15, 1963 - December 19, 2024