Brenda Rose Armacost Craft

Brenda Rose Armacost Craft - 78

Born November 3, 1943

Died September 13, 2022

Beloved daughter of the late John William and Miriam Elizabeth Armacost.  Devoted wife of the late Allen "Chappy" Craft.  Brenda is survived by three loving sons and their amazing wives, Shawn and Kim Craft of Hampstead, Will and Andrea Craft of Shady Side, and Clay and Kristen Craft of Manchester.  She enjoyed her grandchildren Sarah, William, Jason, Timmy, Abby, Miles, and Nick.  Brenda was particularly close to her oldest grandson Aaron Craft and his wife Sarah.  She was fortunate enough to enjoy her great grandson Gannon.

Born in Baltimore, Brenda began her life in the small farming community of Trenton in Baltimore County, MD.  The people in this community would go on to be her second family.  In her final years her "Trenton Family" looked after her and gave her an independent life after Chap passed.  While in her teens Brenda lived in Hanover, PA and graduated from Eichelburger High School in 1961.  Brenda briefly attended the University of Maryland, College Park before going on to attend the Baltimore School of Cosmetology.  She and Chappy owned and operated The Manchester Beauty Salon for 42 years.  Spending her life working beside Chap and raising her sons were the greatest joys in her life.  A dream since childhood was realized when she moved back to the Trenton Community in 1976.  Brenda and Chap raised their boys on a beautiful farm in a close knit small town.  Brenda was selfless in her dedication to the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church.  She, along with lifelong friend Johnny Merryman, spent her life in service to God and community.

Brenda enjoyed many hobbies and activities.  She enjoyed spending time at her townhouse in Ocean City, MD, one of her favorite places.  She hosted many family and friends at her little beach house over the years.  Her best friends Della Dell and Lois Bankert, supported and loved Brenda throughout her life.  Many days and nights they could be found playing cards and telling stories.  Brenda & Chappy, Lois & Larry, and Della & Greg became known as "the gang" and were inseparable.  They held Brenda up after Chappy's passing and gave her 5 additional years of incredible memories.  She was a woman on the go and never slowed down until her final hours.  Richard Barnhart, an uncle, passed in 2016.  She remained close with his wife Joan.  Brenda loved swimming, gardening, arts and crafts, antiques, but most of all, family.  She passed away surrounded by family and her beloved friend and caregiver Andrea Bakalyar.  Brenda was a wife, mother, friend, and loyal follower of Jesus Christ.  She was a beautiful person.  She will be missed.

A celebration of Brenda Rose's life will be held on October 8, 2022 at 10:30 am, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church: 16530 Trenton Church Rd Upperco, MD 21155.  Family and friends are invited to a reception at her home following the service.  Pastor Mike Adams will be presiding over her service.  Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers please make donations to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Arrangements are by ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., Manchester, Maryland.