Pamela Ann Kelso Craig's Obituary
Pamela Ann Kelso Craig, aged 74, of Germantown, TN, passed away Friday, March 31, 2023 with her family by her side. Pam was born December 17, 1948 to Gladys Ione Wright Kelso and John Floyd Kelso in Memphis, TN. She was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, sister, mother, and Nanè. Pam went to St. Anne’s Catholic Church and School, Immaculate Conception High School, and Memphis State University where she was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. She graduated in 1971 with a BS in Fine Arts. While in high school, she played basketball and was recruited to play with the All-American Red Heads Professional Basketball team. She turned the offer down to pursue her true love of art and travel.
Pam married Thomas Lee Craig on September 6, 1969. Pam devoted much of her life to her children and grandchildren. While raising her three children, she shared her love of art through painting and teaching. Pam placed her paintings, sculptures, and pottery in multiple venues throughout Memphis and the Mid-South. During her years in the Austin area, she ran three preschools. On her family’s return to Memphis, she began her most loved endeavor, Rivertown Art Gallery. The Rivertown Gallery, in downtown Memphis, was a large part of her life for 20 years. Art was Pam’s passion, including her time with the Germantown Art League. She participated in more art shows and competitions than her children can count and made sure that all nine of her grandchildren had the opportunity to play and try a variety of artistic avenues.
Pam is survived by her three children, Joy (Matt) Cowan of Germantown, TN; Ben (Melissa) Craig of Royse City, TX; and Tim (Melanie) Craig of Huntsville, AL; her nine grandchildren, Robby, Conner, Katelyn, and Brody Cowan; Thomas, Elizabeth, and Hannah Craig; and Zach and Nick Craig; her siblings MaryLynn Kelso Mahoney, John Floyd Kelso, Jr., Debra Kelso Trees, Kay Kelso Aksnes and a large extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Tom, and her parents.
A graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home – 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis; Monday, May 1, 2023 at 2 o’clock PM. Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
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