From the Gospel Music Workshop of America:
Office of the Executive Vice Chairman
Al Hobbs
I have just learned of the passing of our beloved board member, Bishop Charles Craig of Detroit, MI, who served the GMWA faithfully as the Vice Chair of the Security, Nurses, and Ushers.

In conversation with Convention Manager Mark Smith, he confirmed that Bishop Craig passed of a massive heart attack this morning at a Detroit Hospital near his home.

On Behalf of Chairman Jamison, the GMWA Board of Directors and staff, I ask that every member and those across the Gospel community who view this information, lift in prayer Bishop’s wife, Wanda Craig, His beloved brother, James Linsey Craig, his family and the members of Craig Memorial Tabernacle where he was Pastor.

From Tammy Taylor:
Home Going Services for Bishop Charles Craig

Friday, July 11, 2008 @ 7pm
Tribute Musical
Craig Memorial Tabernacle
14201 Puritan
Detroit, MI

Saturday, July 12, 2008 @ 10am
Home going Service
Second Ebenezer Church
4601 Dequindre Road
Detroit, Michigan 48212-1503 , (I-75 at East McNichols)
Bishop Elect Edgar L.Vann, Senior Pastor

ATTN: ALL choir members that sang with Detroit
Remembers, GMWA Detroit or Craig Memorial
please come out to rehearsal on:
Thursday, July 10, 2008 @ 7pm SHARP @ Craig
Memorial

Attire for Friday: Dress for Ministry
Attire for Saturday: White (ladies no pants please).

For Additional or subsequent information, please check www.gmwadetroit.org

17 Comments

  1. Anonymous July 6, 2008 at 11:18 am - Reply

    May Our God Bless the entire Craig
    family at this time..He was greatly admired, such a fine person, like his father and mother. I also remember Michael and bless them all.
    Loving Memories from Los Angeles

  2. Bishop Kevin J. Chambers July 6, 2008 at 10:54 pm - Reply

    My heart goes out to the family of the Late Bishop Charles A. Craig, III & the entire Craig Memorial Tabernacle Family; Detroit Chapter of the GMWA;

    +Bishop Kevin J. Chambers, Hammond IN

  3. Anonymous July 7, 2008 at 5:47 am - Reply

    I remember riding the Dexter bus with Charles A. Craig III, forty years ago,as we journeyed home daily from Cass Tech. He always had a smile and kept us laughing on our way home. I remember his love of music and how he was proud to be a PK. He would always state at that time his full name, Charles Ashley Craig III. Over the years whenever, I would run into the reverend,he was always the same personable down to earth person. God rest his soul and may the Holy Spirit send comfort to his entire family. I last saw the Bishop two months ago as he funeralized one of his members from Craig Memorial. His death strikes home for we are contemporaries and I too have suffered several losses already this year of immediate family members. Peace be unto the Craig family, take comfort in the life he lived and the many lives he impacted in a positive way. God Bless you all.

  4. Anonymous July 8, 2008 at 3:10 pm - Reply

    I am a member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America and Reverend Charles Ashley Craig III was one of the faces and smiles that you looked forward to seeing. At some point during the week, we would always take a moment to get a hug in. I remember how Reverend James Cleveland adored the Craig Brothers who was always by his side at the workshop. They were always ready to serve as singers, security for our workshop and axillary members. We will miss Reverend Craig and we send prayers to his family.

  5. Anonymous July 8, 2008 at 4:59 pm - Reply

    May God trully bless and keep the Craig family during these very trying times. whatever happens from this moment on remember that God is still in control, and to love and respect each other always.

  6. Michele Brown, Chicago, il July 9, 2008 at 12:32 am - Reply

    May God sustain the entire family of Bishop Charles Ashley Craig III during this time for knowing God as I do he will comfort you.

  7. Michele Brown. Chicago, il July 9, 2008 at 12:48 am - Reply

    May God sustain the entire family of Bishop Charles Ashley Craig III during this time for knowing GOD as I do he will give comfort.

  8. Kyla July 9, 2008 at 1:42 am - Reply

    I am a member of CMT and Dr. Craig is turly going to be missed. He was a great father, husband, Leader and Pastor. Alot of times he was like a father to those in the church.When I first heard of his passing i was in a state of shock but that Sunday when i walked in church and did see his face I just broke done. To all of the Craig family and my church family I Love. Rest In Peace Bishop Craig.

  9. Anonymous July 9, 2008 at 4:24 am - Reply

    My prayers are with the Craig Family and the Craig Memorial Tabernacle family. Even though many years have passed between since we’ve seen each other, you have always been in my thoughts. I am a member of the Hurst Sisters from Louisville, KY, who spent many a day at the Craig family home. Our loss, God’s gain. God bless each of you.
    Minister Rose Hurst Bowman

  10. Freddrenia Holmes July 9, 2008 at 12:37 pm - Reply

    I’ve had the honor of having Pastor Craig in my life since childhood.He was a great man of God.His life was a light that shined on everyone that he encountered.He will truly be missed.Since we know where he is,as christians we should live our lives so that we may see him again.God Bless the entire Craig and Craig Memorial Tabernacle family.

  11. AMELIA NICHOLSON July 9, 2008 at 12:55 pm - Reply

    TO THE ENTIRE CRAIG FAMILY,

    EARTH HAS NO SORROW THAT HEAVEN CANNOT HEAL. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS TIME OF GRIEF,MY SISTER(WANDA)AND MY BROTHER(LENZY)
    I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MY HEART ACHES WITH PAIN FOR THE LOSS OF CHARLES. I CAN REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD IN LOS ANGELES AND AT THE GMWA CONVENTIONS I ATTENDED. I’M GLAD WE KNOW GOD AND WHAT THE WORD TELLS US TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY MEANS TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD.

    LOVE,

    AMELIA & AURELIA NICHOLSON(SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS)

  12. Jocelyn July 10, 2008 at 6:28 pm - Reply

    I have know Rev. Craig for many years. He was always smiling, with a positive word for all. I am shocked and saddened by his Home Going – but surely he has joined all the other GMWA folks in the heavenly choir.

    Prayers for the Craig and Craig Memorial Family. God bless you.

  13. Ramon Perry, Chicago IL July 11, 2008 at 5:39 am - Reply

    “The eternal God is our refuge.”My prayers go out the the Craig family and The Craig Memorial Tabernacle Family..I was just their for their concert and spent the whole day with them. It was church the way we ‘used’ to have it.

  14. Anonymous July 12, 2008 at 9:22 pm - Reply

    I attended the homegoing services for Bishop Craig and I must say it was very touching I’ve known the bishop for years. Thh Bishop was truly come one come all Pastor. He will be Truly Missed. May Prayers Be Continuly With the Entire Craig Family and Church.

  15. Anonymous August 14, 2008 at 9:20 pm - Reply

    I am a member of craig memorial tabernacle and when i found out about my pastor passed away, tears went falling down my face for joy because i know he’s in a better place and it’s gods will.I know he wont be here in sight but in my heart he’ll always be present.He was much like an uncle.My heart goes out to the family and members of the craig brothers.God bless you craig family!

  16. Anonymous February 24, 2009 at 10:23 pm - Reply

    We still miss our Pastor but as time moves on God will help us to heal.

  17. Anonymous March 2, 2009 at 4:42 am - Reply

    The church isn’t the same without him :-{

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Written by : Bob Marovich

Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.