Clarissa Grace Craig was born to Amos and Pearlie Richardson of Colfax, Louisiana, on January 23, 1933. She finished her life’s journey at her home on November 29, 2025. Her three children and grandson, Colton, were gathered by her side. Clara wasn’t a quitter, and that fortitude was evident until she took her very last breath.
A beloved wife and mother, Clarissa completed a B.A. degree in Home Economics at Northwestern State University. She worked for two years outside the home, then used her degree exclusively as a homemaker and an amazing Mom. Clarissa is survived by three loving children: Robert Craig (Becky), Keith Craig (Chris), and Donna Goecke (Greg). She adored her grandchildren: Colby Goecke, Shiloh Sorenson (Ethan), Shaelyn Goecke (Ty Parsons), Austin Green, and Colton Craig. She leaves behind one brother, John Richardson (Ernestine). She and John shared many times of laughter (and not) as they were only 16 months apart, and later in life, they shared in the farming of their home place.
She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews who have fond memories of summer weeks at her house, and Sunday meals and coffee together. She was preceded in death by Archie, her husband of 69 years, her daughter Sherry Kathleen Craig, two sisters, Mattie Vallery, and Barbara Abraham, as well as both parents.
Visitation will be offered Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and 1 hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hixson Brothers Chapel, Pineville, Louisiana. Randy Satterfield and Stacey Seidlitz will officiate the service. Clarissa will be laid to rest in Craig Cemetery by her lifelong companion, Archie.
In love and respect for her, pallbearers will be Colby Goecke, Ethan Sorenson, Ty Parsons, Colton Craig, Cade Mitchell, and Jace Poulignot. Honorary pallbearers are Samuel Vallery, Ken Richardson, Jim Abraham, and Dan Mitchell.
Clara’s unwavering devotion, love, and faith will forever be a source of strength for her family. Their lives will forever be colored with the richness of her grateful attitude and genuinely thankful spirit.
From Donna, Robert & Keith:
Momma had an amazing ability to show love with firmness and softness, in strength and gentleness. She never wavered in her faith or her convictions, yet she had a way of showing her love for us through the difficult and easy experiences of our lives. Our school friends often remembered Mom’s good hugs even above the times we shared together with them. Mom firmly believed that one should never let the sun go down on their wrath, and she lived that way. Mom’s powerful hugs, big smile, and sweet spirit will never be forgotten by those who have known and loved her. We are especially appreciative and thankful for those who shared in Mom’s joys and sorrows, challenges and triumphs along life’s way. Her life was truly a tapestry woven with grace. We have a very special place in our hearts for the caregivers who loved Mom and so beautifully cared for her in her last years. They have become a part of our hearts forever.