Sharon Gaines Craft

Mrs. Sharon Marie Gaines Craft, 81, of Hartwell, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 26, 2026 at her home.

Born on November 13, 1945, in Anniston, AL, she was the daughter of the late Charles Samuel Gaines and Lena May Hilley Gaines. Mrs. Craft was a paraprofessional for the Hart County School System for 20 years. She was also a member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Ladies Sunday School Class, WMA, and helped in the nursery. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Shrinettes. Sharon loved spending time with her family & grandchildren, and she even kept children in her home in her earlier days. She also loved traveling, and canning & freezing fresh vegetables.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years: Alton Martin Craft; three sons: Charles W. Craft (Sharon), David S. Craft (Leigh Anne), and Keith M. Craft (Cheryl), all of Hartwell; sixteen grandchildren: Amber Craft, Troy Craft, Casey New, Cassie Dawkins (Vince), Nikki Kalstrom, John Craft, Bradley Craft, Caitlin Alderman (Garrett), Ryleigh Craft, Katie Trent (Cody), Cameron McDowell, Mackenzie James, Taylor Craft, Ethan McDowell, Haley Craft, Hannah Craft; and nine great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Mrs. Craft was preceded in death by her parents; one son: Roger Dale Craft; one grandchild: D.J. Craft; and two brothers: Gordon O. Gaines and Charles S. Gaines.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. At other times, the family will be the home.

Funeral services for Mrs. Sharon Craft will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home with Rev. Terry Meeks, Dr. Brad Starnes, and Rev. Dale Carson officiating. Burial will be held at the Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Cornerstone Baptist Church, 1543 Anderson Hwy, Hartwell, GA 30643, or the Gideons International, Hart Co. Camp, P.O. Box 59, Hartwell, GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.