With hearts full of love and gratitude for the gift of her life, we celebrate the life of Tara Elizabeth Craig, age 55, of Spanish Fort, Alabama, who entered into the arms of her Savior on June 30, 2026.
Born on December 24, 1970, Tara grew up in Purcell, Oklahoma, before moving to Tucson, Arizona, where she met the love of her life, Lenny Craig. Together they shared 34 beautiful years of marriage—a love story truly once in a lifetime. Their marriage was built on faith, friendship, laughter, and unwavering devotion. To know Tara was to know how deeply she loved Lenny, and to know Lenny was to know how deeply he loved her.
As a young girl, Tara was crowned Little Miss Hemisphere in Oklahoma. She loved playing softball and treasured the bright red IROC her daddy proudly bought for her. While she enjoyed many things throughout her life, nothing compared to the joy she found in loving and caring for the people around her.
Tara loved Jesus with all her heart, and that love overflowed into every relationship she had. She loved her family fiercely—her mother, Jolanda Herell, whom she adored; her father, Lowell Herell; her brother, Lance Herrell, and sister-in-law, Nikki; her beloved husband, Lenny; her children, Haley and Cameron; their spouses, Alex and Taylor; and most of all, her seven precious grandchildren.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Tara spent her life pouring herself into those she loved. She was truly the greatest person many of us will ever know—loved by all, a friend to all, and someone who never met a stranger. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved within moments of meeting her. Her smile could brighten the darkest day, and her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Her world revolved around her grandchildren. Nana was her favorite title, and she cherished every moment she spent with the children who absolutely adored her. Whether she was attending their events, spoiling them with love, or simply holding them close, being their Nana brought her more joy than anything else in this world. Her grandchildren—Chesley, McKinley, Case, Ada, Riggins, Reese, and Crue—were her heart, her pride, and one of her greatest blessings.
Tara was the best cook, the best listener, a shoulder to cry on, and the person everyone called when they needed advice, comfort, or encouragement. She was a safe place, a steady presence, and a source of unconditional love. She never met a stranger, only friends she had not met yet.
She was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Abby and Tom Herell, who absolutely adored their Tara; her cherished Nana, Waneta Kindblade, whose gentle and loving spirit inspired the kind of grandmother Tara would become; her Papa, Jim Kindblade, who we know is proudly showing her off in the streets of Heaven; and her father, Lowell Herell, who surely wrapped her tightly in his arms the moment she arrived Home. Tara was the apple of their eye, their only granddaughter, and loved beyond measure.
Tara is survived by her devoted husband and soulmate, Lenny Craig, who was the love of her life; her loving mother, Jolanda Herrell; her children, Haley and Cameron, of whom she was endlessly proud; her daughter-in-law and son-in-law, Taylor and Alex, who became her second set of children and were loved no differently than her own; her treasured grandchildren, Chesley, McKinley, Case, Ada, Riggins, Reese, and Crue, who brought immeasurable joy to her life; her beloved brother, Lance Herell, whom she proudly called her baby brother; her sister-in-law, Nikki, the built-in sister she always wanted; and her faithful companion, Buddy, the dog she loved dearly and who misses her terribly.
Family was Tara’s greatest blessing. God gave her the incredible gift of being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and Nana, and she embraced every role with grace, selflessness, and endless love.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, at 1:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 3:00 p.m.
Tara’s favorite flower was the hibiscus. In her honor, the family asks that you plant a hibiscus and think of her whenever it blooms. Smile when you see its flowers, because that is exactly what she would want.
There are people who come into our lives and leave a mark that can never be replaced. Tara was one of those people. She was truly a once-in-a-lifetime soul—the kind of person whose love, kindness, and presence changed everyone around her.
If love alone could have kept her here, Tara would have lived forever.
Though our hearts are broken, we do not grieve without hope because of our faith in Jesus Christ. We cling to the promise that this goodbye is only temporary, and we look forward to the glorious day when we will be reunited with our beloved wife, mother, Nana, and friend in the presence of our Savior.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1–3
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23
Heaven is brighter because she is there, and those who loved her will carry her memory in their hearts until they meet again.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
You leave behind a great legacy.” and You will live on in many many many hearts & minds.
My prayers for all of the family.
I will see you when I get there ♥️♥️♥️
Aunt Lynn
Love that precious sole. So special. I miss you already.
I’m so sorry for y’all’s loss, she was a wonderful and loving mother, sister, daughter and friend to everyone who was blessed to know her. She will definitely be missed. My prayers are with your family at this time.
Condolences to Lenny, Haley and family and Cameron and family. Tara touched the hearts of everyone she came in contact with. She had enough love in her body to cover the entire universe. You will be missed by so many people. She have earned your beautiful wings so go fly high.
So so sorry ❤️
Thank You Friend
I never came to you, my friend, and went away without some new enrichment of the heart; More faith and less of doubt, more courage in the days ahead. And often in great need coming to you, I went away comforted indeed. How can I find the shining word, the glowing phrase that tells all that your love has meant to me, all that your friendship spells? There is no word, no phrase for you on whom I so depend. All I can say to you is this, God bless you precious friend.
written by
Grace Noll Crowell
My prayers are with all the family.
There was never a time we were together or talking on the phone that we couldn’t find something to laugh or find humor in. I miss our talks but know one day I will see you again my friend.
Tara was always so very kind and welcoming to me. Always had a smile and her love for her family was palpable. I will plant a hibiscus 🌺 for her!
Sending so much love and prayers to this amazing family. Tara was such a wonderful human being, there is truly no one else like her but this world would be such a beautiful place if we were.
She will be very much missed. Love you all so much Craig family ❤️
Tara I sure gonna miss you so so much i’m so glad that you forgave me for everything and we were back in each other’s lives you told me to stop dwelling on it she said like my dad would say it’s water under the bridge. We won’t speak of it again goodbye my sweet Tara until we meet again Love Aunt Judy
Oh my sweet Tara I don’t even know where to begin I am going to miss you so much. I can still remember the day you were born. I was so happy and one proud aunt. Then your mom and dad started letting me keep you and I was so proud you were like my little baby doll and you were the most beautiful baby. I think I ever saw. I am going to miss our talks.I know your dad so glad to see you and I can just hear him now saying hi sis… until we meet again I will think about you every day and you’re always in my prayers. I love you so much, Aunt Carolyn.
It was a honor knowing her she was a wonderful mother and friend grandmother and wife she always met me with a big hug and a wonderful smile she will be greatly missed but we will all have a piece of her with us at all times May the peace she has be upon all of her friends and family
I’m saddened to hear the news of you passing. I remember you coming into a store I was working at and you said we went to school together and I remembered you and we always talked when you came in. You gave great advice and were a person that listened! We have the same Birthday and you always reminded me of even though I already knew! Thank you for always bringing me up in some dark times.. see you on the other side .