Sharlett Calhoun Craig

Sharlett Calhoun Craig, age 66, of Little Rock died October 23, 2010 following a brief illness. She was born on November 3rd, 1943 in Prescott, Ark. to the late Denzil and Effie Calhoun. She graduated from Prescott High School and later attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Sharlett began her career as a Legal Secretary then paralegal in 1968 for House, Holmes, and Jewell.She worked as a Project Developer and Grant Administrator, and in Commercial and Residential Loan Underwriting. She served as President of Atrium, Inc. and as Senior Asset Manager of Savers Federal and First Federal Savings and Loan. She worked for the Resolution Trust Corporation in Asset Management of Savings and Loans. She served as Chief Deputy Auditor and then as Chief Deputy Treasurer for the State of Arkansas and had an extensive career in Real Estate and Property Management, earning the National President's Gold Award, Chapter of Year IREM; Manager of the Year IREM;Life Member, Little Rock Board of Realtors Million Dollar Sales Club; Sales and Marketing Executives Association, Sales Person of the Year.She served as Chairman of the Development Committee for Downtown Little Rock Community Development Corporation and as President of Our Way, Inc. Since 1992, she has been the Principal Broker of Craig Crews, Inc., a full service real estate company. She most recently served as Operations Manager for Heartland Community Bank. Sharlett was active in the Little Rock community and served on many local boards and agencies.She was active in supporting state-wide, regional and local political campaigns. She served as an active Board member for several non-profit organizations, including the Arkansas AIDS Foundation, United Cerebral Palsy, Easter Seals, United Way, and the Quapaw Quarter Association. She was awarded the Peg Smith Volunteer of the Year for the Quapaw Association and was awarded theCommunity Service Award for The League to Make a Difference. She enjoyed participating in the Downtown Garden Club, including serving as President, and working as chairman of the Quapaw Tour of Homes. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. In addition to all the ways Sharlett contributed to her profession and to her community, Sharlett graciously shared her creativity and talents. She was a gifted painter and writer, enjoying those pursuits individually, but also teaching others. She loved collecting antiques, interior decorating, and gardening. She supported her grandchildren in their individual pursuits. Her family and friends especially enjoyed her talents as a cook. Sharlett is survived by her life companion of 28 years, Tom Grunden; her daughter, Sarah Catherine (Cathe) Crews and husband Coleman, her grandchildren, Richard Brooks Bramlette, Courtney Gracelynn Crews, and Chandler Chase Crews, her stepdaughters, Julia Reid Sawyer, and Catherine Anne Grunden; her step-grandchildren, Hunter Reid Sawyer, Emma Catherine Sawyer, and Thomas Johnson Sawyer. She is also survived by her sisters, Margaret Magee, and Brenda Prewitt and brother, Larry Calhoun, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and aunts and uncles. Visitation will be Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. with funeral services beginning at 2 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. Rev. Betsy Singleton and Rep. Darrin Williams will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Client Housing Assistance Fund at the Little Rock Community Mental Health Center, Inc., 4400 Shuffield Drive, Little Rock, 72205.