Teresa Kay Craver

Teresa Kay Craver, age 72 of Perry, Kansas, went to dance in the eternal presence of God on January 20, 2021. She was born on October 13, 1948 in Miles City, Montana to the late Reverend Walter and Madalyn Simpson. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, John K. Craver. She is survived by her sister, Joy Simpson, brother, Steve Simpson, and the younger generation, Jules and Angela Zinn and Christine Simpson. Graveside service is Saturday, March 20 at 11:00 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas.

Teresa was a trained pianist and singer. In her 20s she performed with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Starlight Theater. In 1970, she graduated from Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas, where she excelled in music and drama. In her 30s, she decided to become a nurse, and enjoyed a 29-year career at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

We will always remember the beauty of Burr Oak Farm, her home of many years, and Teresa’s famous Christmas bread. She loved vacationing with John in Florida, listening to the Blues, and eating John’s barbeque; they made Big John’s famous BBQ sauce together. She spent the last year of her life with sister Joy and her spouse Stacy in Dayton, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Helen Halstead Nursing Scholarship at Wichita State University, where her aunt taught nursing:
WSU Foundation
1845 Fairmount – campus box 2
Wichita KS 67260-0002
https://foundation.wichita.edu/memorials-honors/ or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

5 Condolences

  1. Cristy Sullivan on March 3, 2021 at 2:33 pm

    We met Teresa at Johnny’s West. She was always happy to chat with you. She had a great spirit and was always willing to have a good laugh.
    May she rest in peace!
    Kelly & Cristy Sullivan



  2. Peg Wessel on March 17, 2021 at 7:00 am

    Teresa was such a kind and supportive nurse to me when I was a new nurse at LMH many, many years ago. She was always smiling and happy. Everyone loved Teresa and enjoyed working with her. Her patients so benefitted from her care. I didn’t know about her other talents. Such a humble person. May she rest in peace.



  3. ROBERT CUGNO on March 19, 2021 at 8:47 pm

    I ENJOYED SEVERAL TO MANY COVERSATIONS WITH TERESA WHEN SHE WAS LIVING AT MEADOWLARK ESTATES. I DON’T REMEMBER HER NOT SMILING.
    THAT SHE PLAYED THE PIANO, SANG AND DANCED MUST HAVE BEEN A SECRET.; SHE NEVER SPOKE OF HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS.. SHE IS MISSED HERE. BUT I SURE HOPE SHE IS SHARING HER TALENTS IN THE NEXT LIFE. WISH I KNEW OF HER LOVING THE BLUES. I’D HAVE TOLD HER OF A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH BILLIE HOLIDAY. BLESS YOU DEAR GAL!



  4. Antonio wright on March 22, 2021 at 9:36 am

    Sorry for the loss of Teresa! She had such a passion for music & dancing, which we discussed often! I admired her ability to be herself, regardless of others opinions. She just wanted to enjoy life, but often expressed the void of losing her husband! Through it all, she always had a smile-Blessings & peace to the family
    Antonio Wright-Meadowlark salon



  5. Melynda Swoyer on March 23, 2021 at 9:59 am

    I had the honor of working with Teresa at LMH. She was an excellent caregiver, always placing her patient’s needs above all else.
    God Bless and keep her in his arms.



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