Emily Gunn Craddock

Emily Gunn Craddock died Thursday, December 21, 2023, one week shy of her 91st birthday, surrounded by members of her family.

She was born on December 28, 1932, in Lynchburg, VA, to the late Emily and Carter Gunn. 

Emily was educated at Stuart Hall and Salem College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. She grew up attending St. John’s Episcopal Church and, after marrying John, became a member of First Presbyterian Church (FPC) where she enjoyed serving on various committees. She was involved in a variety of civic organizations throughout her life including the Junior League, Reading for the Sight Impaired, the Pink Lady Association at Virginia Baptist Hospital, and delivering for Meals on Wheels.

Emily was an avid reader, gardener, tennis player, bridge player, and took up running in her forties, eventually running the Ten Miler multiple times.  She was a preschool teacher at FPC for 19 years and loved the two-year-olds, especially seeing them through the years around town. She loved her summer vacations spent at N Litchfield Beach, SC where her family has gathered for over 40 years.  “Emmy”, as her grandchildren called her, was blessed with a long life that was full of wonderful memories, lifelong friends, and boundless love.

The family will be forever grateful to Loretta Bass and Karen Jameson for their loving care; the amazing Centra hospice team, including Kristen; Laurie, her PT; and her team of doctors, especially Joseph Khoury, and Matthew Sackett, who were always on-call and available.

In addition to her parents, Emily was preceded in death by her sister, Frances (Al) Kemper. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, John, her daughter Anne Carter, sons John (Laura) and Clay (Tess), adored grandchildren Cameron (Sam) Howe, Carter (Grant) Hopkins, Will Craddock, and Nan Craddock, along with three great-grandchildren that brought her immense joy, and numerous nieces and nephews, who brightened her days with visits, books, and delicious food.

A family memorial service will be held Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Spring Hill Cemetery followed by a reception for family and friends at Oakwood Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:

First Presbyterian Church: Click here to donate

Meals on Wheels: Click here to donate

A Charity of one's choice

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.