Obituary of Joan Dianna Croft

OBITUARY – Joan Dianna Croft – A memorial gathering for Joan Dianna Croft, 64, of Columbia, will be privately held. Woodridge Funeral Home of Lexington is assisting the family.

Joan Croft passed away June 18, 2019. Born July 2, 1954 in Kaiserslautern, Germany, she was a daughter of the late William Johnnie Moore and Lois Katherine Thompson.  Her father was in the Army, and her mother was a homemaker. Not too long after her birth, the family moved back to the United States, where, in typical military fashion, they moved around for many years.

Throughout her life, she was very passionate on creative projects which she helped her friends and family complete in her early years. She worked at a Pharmacy and attended a brief course at a cosmetology school, where she learned a great deal of skills. Traveling around various states in the U.S. with her parents, she viewed and experienced numerous historic and memorable sites even having worked with her stepfather at the Grand Ole Opry, where she met many famous celebrities and country artists.

During the late 1980’s, she met the love of her life, Mr. Ernest Croft Jr. The couple married, and settled down in Richland County, South Carolina, where they reared 3 children: Christina, Tyler and Aaron, whom they loved dearly. Her husband was a very handy and renowned mechanic, who provided the stability for the family. In late 2003, her husband passed away, and Joan took on a heavy role, and continued raising her children not long after she became a secondary mother to her grandchildren, Jasmine, Alissa and Dylan Stanley. She opened up her love and care for them, and even ensured their growing future was safe and secure.

Throughout this time, her health began to decline.  Joan had suffered from many ailments, including diabetes, heart disease and other health problems. But, these diseases never kept her from doing what she loved; her favorite projects were planting various plants, and creating new and tasty recipes that she prepared for the family. Joan enjoyed spoiling them with her motherly touches; cooking and highly creative arts and crafts that she willingly shared with friends and neighbors. In addition, she enjoyed watching various cooking shows on her phone, YouTube and the local ETV channels. 

On special nights, she viewed the ETV channels, and observed the great “Celtic Thunder” and “Celtic Woman” shows.  Joan was a huge fan of Michael Flatley, and the “River Dance” series. When she was able to walk on her own, she was always sitting in her swing outside, or driving around in her small car of which she was very fond.  Joan was loved by many friends, neighbors and family all around.

Joan is survived by her loving children; daughter, Christina Hall (David Stanley) of Hopkins; sons, Tyler O. Croft of Columbia, and Aaron L. Croft (Sue-Lee) of Columbia; grandchildren, Jasmine Alewine (Cody) of Anderson, SC, Alissa Stanley of Hopkins, Dylan Stanley of Hopkins; brothers, William J. Moore of Pelion, Raymond Moore of Orange Park, FL; sister-in-law, Betty Moore of Georgia; niece, Melissa Simpson (Alan) of Pelion; great niece, Kim Roman (Alex) of Georgia, and a large and loving extended family. In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by her loving husband of 17 years, Ernest Croft, Jr.; sister, Deloris Frady; brothers, Dale Moore and John Raymond Cook, Jr., and her beloved dogs, Pookie and Chomper.

We would like to thank nurses Susan, Melanie, Shayla, Nancy and Bianca for providing continuous love and care to our mother during her illness.

A Go Fund me page has been set up to help defray expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/nacd7y-cremation-of-a-loved-one. Please consider a contribution to help the family.