Elizabeth Craft

Elizabeth “Betty” Ackles Craft, age 89, of Elizabeth City, NC, passed away surrounded by family at her residence on Friday, August 8, 2025. She was born in Brockport, NY, on February 23, 1936, to the late William E. Ackles and Annie Illingworth Ackles. Betty was the widow of Gardner “Bruz” Craft.

Betty’s life was rich with passion, dedication, and love. As a devoted homemaker, she created a warm and welcoming environment for her family. She loved all flowers and cultivated her own greenhouse, where she spent countless hours nurturing her plants. An excellent baker, Betty, also enjoyed crocheting, bowling, and her collection of frogs.

Her enthusiasm for life extended beyond her home as Betty was an avid hockey fan with a particular fondness for the Carolina Hurricanes. She also really enjoyed the adventures of living in Florida with her husband, Bruz. Betty supported motocross racing wholeheartedly when her children took to the tracks, and she even joined the American Motorcycle Association. Above all, Betty cherished her role as a grandmother, showering her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with unconditional love and support. Her legacy is one of warmth, laughter, and a life lived fully and well.

Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Heather Christiansen (Keith) of Elizabeth City, NC; sons, Eric Craft (Melinda) of Elizabeth City, NC and Aaron Craft (Melissa) of Flomaton, AL; grandchildren, Ashley Ray Christiansen (Laurie), Kyle Craft (Camille), and Jeremiah Craft; and great-grandchildren, Jordyn, River, Lakelyn, Carter, Parker, and Conner. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Merritt “Bucky” Ackles, and granddaughter, Erica Lee Craft.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at West Lawn Cemetery, with Pastor Howard Sutton officiating.

Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is serving the Craft Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.