Marvin Craig

Marvin “Stank” Craig, 49, transitioned on April 27, 2023, after an extended, challenging, yet resilient journey with a terminal illness of brain cancer.

Marvin was born in Meridian, Mississippi, on November 5, 1973, to Verganell Thomas Craig of Lisman, Alabama and Marvell “Coon” Craig of Yantley, Alabama. A product of Choctaw County schools, Marvin had many fond memories of his teachers, classmates, and sporting experiences. With his gifted hands, he was the true definition of a “Jack of All Trades”. He knew a little something about everything and was generous with his knowledge as a teacher using hands-on techniques. He lived by the mantra of which his late Father, “Coon” Craig would often remind as he shadowed him in many ventures, “Don’t you ever tell anybody that you can’t do something”.

Marvin was a survivor of childhood cancer, a journey that built a divine and unwavering faith steeped in a deep gratitude for life. After high school, Marvin enjoyed various career assignments. These careers included the construction industry, working as a concrete finisher & bridge/road project associate, automobile industry as a mechanic, dealer & a detailer, restaurant industry as a line cook and chef. Most recent and impactful, he was extremely honored to be a Best-Selling Author as a contributing Author in two literary works. He was well known, respected and honored for his Agape love, selfless service, kindness to all he encountered, vast knowledge of many subjects, sense of humor (many expressed the similarities of him and Bernie Mac), and ability to connect with people of all walks of life, making him an influential and impressionable human. 

After a power move from Mississippi to Atlanta, Georgia in the summer of 2010, Marvin was employed at Baker’s Car Wash in Decatur. After two months, it was there that he met the woman that he knew (and told others) would be his wife, Johni Cruse. He met Johni and immediately asked for the digits.  Determined to get to know her, Marvin did not waste any time making sure he had the right number and called her mobile phone before she pulled out of the parking lot.  They were married six months later. Life’s journey, as one body, uprooted them from Atlanta, Georgia and planted them Washington D.C. where they both grew tremendously in Spirit and Truth.

They began writing and Authored books together, they met some extraordinary people, who embraced them as family. Terminal illness joined their journey in 2017 with an abrupt discovery of a meningioma tumor.

Marvin adored his family, and nothing was more important to him than his role as a family man and protector to those related to him by blood or by choice. He has been "Unk", "Brother", "Cousin", "Nephew", "PaPa" and "Pawpaw with the Hat", to countless people and has loved each one with all his heart.

His most treasured roles in life were being a father and “PaPa” to seven beautiful granddaughters. He was known to spoil every child ordained to cross his path.   All children “took” to him without a hitch, often surprising their parents or guardians. Dance moves were natural to him as he often swayed, bobbed his head, and moved his arms and hands, especially when he was being silly and having fun.  He also took great pride in fishing and taking others to his “fishing holes”. He was a Hunter, Chef, and an award-winning Grill master.

Marvin is survived by his wife of almost 12 years, Apostle Dr. Johni Cruse Craig, and sons Mario, Tyquon & Ja’Quez, his mother Verganell Craig, siblings Morris (Yolanda), Maurice, Valerie, Linda (Bernard), Jonathan, Scotty (Maritza), and Shanderlia, Mother in law Patsy, brother in laws Donnie (Jim), Cory (Melinda), Gene (Charlene), and Sam (Demarick), sister in law Crystal, his beloved seven granddaughters whom he adored, Chloe, Averie, Bailee, Raelynn, Amarianna, Makinzly, and Marlanie; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends. He is predeceased by his father Marvell (Coon) Craig and grandparents Willie Jones and Inell Thomas, Lewis and Monzellar Craig.

Marvin's family is grateful to have been loved, protected, and cared for by him for so many years.  His legacy will live on through all that knew and loved him. 

Funeral Service will be held at New Bethel AMEC  8350 Rockbridge Rd Lithonia, GA 30058 on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 5:00 PM. Mr. Craig will lie in state from 4:00 PM until hour of service. Service will be streamed live starting at 4:45 PM. https://player2.streamspot.com/?playerId=69442645 Interment is private. 

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