Valarie A. Craig

Ms. Valarie Alane Craig, affectionately called “Varrie” by her siblings and “Big Val” when trying to distinguish between the mother and daughter, was born on August 27, 1951, to Almyra Fossett and Thomas J. Watkins in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Valarie graduated from Washington High School in 1969. She continued her educational pursuits at IUPUI where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Health Informatics at Indiana University. Valarie was a complex, determined, and dedicated woman who had a fervent love for Christ. She was never ashamed to speak, dance, or sing about the love she had for her Heavenly Father. One thing for certain and two things for sure, there was no rock going to cry out for her!!!

Valarie dedicated more than 20 years of service as a nurse, caring and advocating for individuals in Indianapolis, Indiana where she also served behind the scenes on several boards. In search for change and a warmer climate, Valarie relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada and became a commissioner for the Sierra Nevada Regional Housing Authority, providing her a new platform to advocate for quality, affordable housing and access to critical services throughout the remainder of her days on this earth.

Valarie A. Craig departed from this earthly life on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Her mother; father; brothers: Leo, Eric, Greg and Rodney; sisters, Joyce and Ernestine; and grandchildren: Rashawn, Dashawn, Tatiyana, Tierra and Yasar all preceded her in death.

Valarie leaves to cherish her memories to her children: Joy Jamison, Amelia Jamison, Valarie Burnett (Yasar) and Edward Smith II; grandchildren: Mikel Jamison, Ayanna Sanders, Al-Malik Jamison, Amia Hall, Edward Smith III, Dekovan Smith, Shawn Smith, T’Andre Moore, Jayla Chambers and Emani Smith; siblings: Jerrold Coleman, Kataza Taifa, Cathy Williams, Charles Fossett III, Vincent Fossett, Charise Tyler (Hubert), Tyrone Carouthers, Thomas J. Watkins II and Timothy Watkins; and a host of great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, family and friends.