Obituary of Barbara Craft Tomlin

Barbara Craft Tomlin passed away at the age of 81 on February 22nd, 2025. Barbara was born on April 27, 1943 in Columbia, SC to Henry and Nealie Craft (deceased). She grew up with her two sisters, Thea Mae Goodwin (deceased) and Leona Craft (deceased), and brother Ray Craft (deceased).

Barbara married Gary Wayne Tomlin Sr. on December 8th, 1973. She was the proud mother of Gary Wayne Tomlin Jr. (Sheila), Christopher Bryan Tomlin (Amanda), and stepdaughter Melissa Ligh (Roy). Barbara is survived by 10 grandchildren, whom she loved dearly including Dustin, Alexis, Fallon, Gary III, Jason, Kali, Bre, Christopher, Monica and Madison as well as 2 great-grandchildren, Jordyn and Madelyn.

She was a 1961 graduate of Brookland Cayce High School in Cayce, SC. She later modeled for Millie Lewis and subsequently worked for Duff-Norton in Charlotte, NC.

Following the death of her husband, Gary Sr., in a tragic plane crash in 1980, her primary focus became raising her children. She was also the owner/operator of two Midas muffler locations in Charlotte and Gastonia, NC. After moving to Lake Wateree in 1989 she joined MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center where she worked for 22 years in plant operations.

Barbara’s favorite pastime was spending time with her family, whom she absolutely adored. She impacted her family in so many ways. She was an amazing cook and had a passion for baking and decorating cakes. She was always willing to teach others these crafts. She loved music, and this greatly influenced her children and grandchildren. She was a huge fan of country singer Mickey Gilley, whom she saw many times in concert, and struck up a friendship with. Barbara was also active in beauty pageants across the state and served on the board of directors of the Little Miss South Carolina pageant for many years. In her younger years she enjoyed water skiing and shagging. She also loved playing cards, traveling, entertaining, and finding the perfect gifts for her family members. She also loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports. She was always their biggest fan!

Barbara lived life to the fullest and like her husband, did it her way.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Powers Funeral Home, Lugoff.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  A private family burial will be held in Neely’s Associated Reform Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Lesslie, S.C.