Connie M. Craig

Connie M. (Guest) Craig, 87, of Madison Heights, MI, formerly of Jeannette, PA, died Saturday, February 14, 2026.

She was born February 16, 1938, in Pearson, GA, a daughter of the late Rev. Heurtia L. Guest (Former Assistant Pastor of First Antioch Baptist Church in Greensburg) and the late Deaconess Lucille Cooper Guest.

Connie was a defender of those that could not defend themselves. She was introduced to the Leadership of the NAACP by then former Pennsylvania State Congressman Allen G. Kukovich whom she maintained a long-lasting friendship. She was extremely involved with the NAACP and served in various capacities to include Prison Outreach programs. She was appointed by then NAACP President and CEO Kweisi Mfume to serve on the National Leadership Team. Connie served as President of the Greensburg-Jeannette Branch for several years alongside her special cousin Idella Adams and was the First Vice President for the State of Pennsylvania.

Connie has had the distinct honor of being acknowledged by two Former Presidents of the United States of America. The first was George H.W. Bush in recognition of her being the first Black and Female recipient of the Jeannette Jaycees Citizen of the Year award in 1987. The second was on two separate occasions by Barack Obama for being part of the team assisting in local voter registration for his Presidential campaigns 2008 and 2012.

While working for the PA State Department of Corrections as an educational counselor, she was instrumental in assisting inmates with obtaining their GEDs and helping with vocational training in their transition into society.

Connie was very strong in her faith and active at First Antioch Baptist Church as an usher, choir member and Trustee. She would serve side by side in the kitchen ministry with her sister, the late Colleen Murtaza. She was well known for her collard greens, cabbage, and ham.

Connie was also well known for her style and fashion throughout her years.

She participated in bowling leagues and loved golf.

In addition to her parents, Connie was preceded in death by her twin brothers, Eddie and Bobby Guest, and her sister, Colleen Murtaza.

She is survived by her devoted and beloved daughter, Colleen L. Austin (Anthony) of Madison Heights, MI; her two grandchildren, Jared Austin of Clawson, MI and Chelsea Austin of Chicago, IL; very special nieces and nephew, Majeeda Murtaza, Aliyya Lee, Malika Williams and Alan Murtaza; first cousin and best friend, Idella Adams; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; First Antioch Baptist Church Family and friends.

Relatives and friends of Connie will be received Monday February 23, 2026, from 11 a.m. until the time of funeral service at Noon in the First Antioch Baptist Church, 726 W Pittsburgh St, Greensburg, PA 15601. Rev. Shari Edwards will officiate.

The family invites you to donate in Connie’s memory to: First Antioch Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1022, Greensburg, PA 15601 or thru the app GIVELIFY Key: First Antioch Baptist Church or Greensburg-Jeannette Branch NAACP, 1011 Old Salem Rd, Greensburg, PA 15601.

Interment will follow in Brush Creek Cemetery, Irwin.

Connie’s family has entrusted her care to the Clement L. Pantalone Funeral Home, Inc. 409 W. Pittsburgh Street, Greensburg, PA 15601, (724) 837-0020. For online condolences / directions, visit us at pantalone.com. Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.