Wilma Jean Cravens

Wilma Jean CravensAmongst the find in her world, was a gentle warrior heart. Like her there are no others. Wilma Jean (Waggener) Cravens, 91, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2022 in Indianapolis, IN. Although a few called her Wilma, some Jean, many called her grandma.She is survived by her 3 siblings Fay McKinley, Ralph (Glenda) Waggener, Annette (Jim) Richards and sister in law Linda Waggener, son in law, Gary Embree, and daughter in law, Elaine Cravens along with 9 grandchildren, Sharla (Tony) Frazier, Shelly Cravens, Shawn (Chris) Bauer, Ryan (Nikki) Cravens, Shannon (Steve) Barrick, Craig Cravens, Chris Cravens, Bliss (Christian) Santiago, Kim (Harry) Barton, 16 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandkids. She considered everyone family, and welcomed new friends as her own. She was raised as a southern sweetheart in Kentucky and had an infallible knowledge of nature and gardening. Throughout the seasons in Indiana, her excitement showed with each new bloom. If you stopped by for a visit you would be treated to a tour of her new blossoms, wildflowers, or trees in bloom. Her love for flowers was endearing. Her late husband, Dr. Paul J. Cravens, used to bring her flowers weekly because she loved them so…and after his passing the family attempted to always keep live flowers in her presence. She was raised to exercise her education and continue learning. Her entire life she soaked up information from all sorts of books and made it relatable to others despite the topic. Jean had a love for flowers and books but her true passion was attending family reunions. Our annual Christmas in July reunion was the highlight of her year. Her strength, unconditional love, and welcoming nature is part of the legacy she has built and taught. She was our teacher. She was the retired office manager of the Cravens Chiropractic Clinic in Franklin, IN. She truly enjoyed caring for people emotionally, physically, and spiritually, in or out of the clinic.She was successful in all she did though she wouldn’t admit it. Her practical view was both sensible and comical. Even the smallest things were entertaining and she would tell stories highlighting humorous moments and quoting word for word what someone had said. Jean was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Paul J Cravens, her parents, Edmund Waggener and Audrey Chelf, her brothers Ed Waggener and Arthur Waggener and her 4 children Beverly Sue Embree, Philip (Sue) Cravens, Donald Cravens, and Beth Ann Cravens. She grew a family of beautiful souls, cared for us all throughout our failures and triumphs and showed us how to stand strong when no one else knew how. Her contributions to our family outweigh any others. She was the center, and gave us the foundation upon which we all stand today. Reflecting back, she spoke about how life isn’t about how to survive the storms but how to dance in the rain. Now we find ourselves in the storm. We will cherish the memories, stories, and lessons, and of course, we will dance.Wilma Jean Cravens Celebration of Life will be Monday, February 28, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Columbia Baptist Church 201 Greensburg Street Columbia, KY 42728.andWilma Jean Cravens Celebration of Life will be Thursday, March 3rd, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel 481 W. Main Street, Greenwood, IN 46142.A Eulogy will be streamed on Facebook at 5pmEST. https://www.facebook.com/events/688238395694908/