Obituary of Jennifer Ellen Harper

TSG Jennifer Ellen Harper-Craig, USAF (Ret.), 48, the wife of Brian Craig, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at her home in Jay, Florida, where she was surrounded by her loved ones. Jennifer was born on April 8, 1975, to Sue Marie Harper and Jerald Russell Hicks in Columbia, South Carolina. 
 

Jennifer and Brian Craig married on January 15, 2021. They have three children between them, Forest (Rami) Ian Albert-Craig, Brianne Amaryllis Craig and Fiona Mai Harper. Those who knew Jenn in her civilian life as a loving wife, mother and friend, might be surprised to know that she not only served a 22-year career in the Air Force, but that she was a true warrior as well.

Jenn served globally in imminent danger and combat zones, in which South Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan were just a few. As a combat C-17 Loadmaster, she distinguished herself as a standout. Officers and enlisted routinely requested Jenn on crews where “giving the mission your best”, mattered. After her flying days, Jenn answered the call of what was perhaps her greatest military achievement. She volunteered to serve as an Equal Opportunity Office Non-Commissioned Officer where she leveraged her passion for helping families in distress. She overcame bureaucracies and red tape daily to deliver for the Airmen and their dependents.
 

Technical Sergeant Jennifer Craig made a difference every single day. Her courage in the face of great adversity is a memory C-17 crews will always share when they think of her. Above all, she cherished her time with Brian. Camping, riding, boating and fishing, Jenn savored every moment with her man.

She leaves behind her husband, three children, two grandchildren, Cadence Marie Albert- Craig and Meira Effaniah Albert-Craig, sister Vikki Hicks, brother Jerald Russell Hicks, Jr, and numerous extended family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sue Marie Hicks (Harper);  Jerald “Bud” Russell Hicks as well as her brother Donnie Hicks. 

A celebration of life and internment at Biloxi National Cemetery, Biloxi, MS, will be scheduled at a later date. 

In leu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Stronghold Freedom Foundation. They have supported Jenn and Brian. https://strongholdfreedomfoundation.org/keeping-a-promise/

The Stronghold Freedom Foundation is a 501(C)3 Corporation and all donations are tax deductible.

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