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The world is a little dimmer today with Leila’s passing. She was born the oldest of 7 siblings to Roy and Mary Craddock.

She retired as a lending assistant from Bank of America and earned an associate’s degree in Banking. Rearing four children, she still found time to lead Scouts, be “room mother” for all her kids, make crafts, embroider and sew much of our clothing. She always supported us.

She married her beloved husband, Bob, in 1985. They camped in their younger days, took several cruises and visited Europe—highlights of her life she talked about often. She lived all her life in Suffolk, Va., moving to Port Orange in 2020, near her daughter, Ginger.

Leila made friends wherever she went, even charming the medical staff in her final weeks. She enjoyed playing games, reading, sewing, quilting, going to movies, being around children, helping other people and, most of all, having a laugh with those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two nieces, and her brother Micky. Survivors include Bob; her kids Ginger (Jay) Jabour, Terri (Deno) Sebastian, Jay (Tammy) Holland, and Dan (Bridgette) Holland; stepdaughter Beth DeGraff; grands and step-grands Jack, Jesse, Matt, Evan, Juliana, Devin, and Alexander; and great-grandson RJ. She also leaves behind four brothers: Wayne (Mary) Craddock; Terry (Cleo) Craddock; Alan (Karen) Craddock; and Tony (Bobbi) Craddock; a sister; and former husband Jack Holland.

A memorial service is planned at New Hope Baptist Church, 1675 Taylor Road, 11 a.m., Feb. 18, with a celebration of her life in Suffolk this spring.

No flowers, please. Instead, hug someone you love, give blood, or donate to a children’s charity.