Julie Ann (Bloodsworth) Craig

Julie Ann Craig, 40 of Arlington, TN, passed away peacefully Friday, August 19, 2022 in Gulfport. She was born January 19, 1982 in Slidell, LA, the daughter and second of three children to the late Larry Dean Bloodsworth, and Judith Delores Waldrop. Julie grew up in Gulfport for the most part, but spent time in several other cites from coast to coast, while her father worked for the Department of Defense. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed canoeing, kayaking, hiking, among other things, including sleeping outside whenever possible. Her dad was quite a cook himself, and together they spent a lot of time in the kitchen. That's where she learned so much and developed a passion for cooking herself. Julie attended Gulfport High School where she was also very active, playing softball, in the band, and was co-editor of her yearbook. She graduated with the Class of 2000, and went on to Delgado Community College in New Orleans where she earned an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts. Julie went to work at Casino Magic in Biloxi, and others along the way, working her way up the chain to become an Executive Chef. She became the Director of Nutrition at USM in Hattiesburg, then moved to Rhodes College in Memphis, and finally was serving as Director of Diet and Nutrition for Baptist Hospital in Memphis. Over her career, Julie won numerous awards for her skills and talent in the kitchen, including at least two national championships for recipes she developed. Julie was very well-known in the culinary world and was invited to compete on a show hosted by The Food Network a few years back, but the time required do so forced her to decline. Needless to say, this lady had some mad skills in the kitchen. When she wasn't cooking, Julie was a fun-loving, outgoing woman. A Girl Scout leader and community volunteer, she spent quite a bit of time volunteering at "A Room at the Inn", a shelter for homeless women. Julie gathered and prepared food, found clothing and other necessities for the ladies there. She didn't sit still often, but when she did, you could usually find her sitting out on the back porch, enjoying her dogs and playing Candy Crush on her phone. She is fondly remembered for her huge, caring heart, a smile that would always light up the room, a fantastic sense of humor, and the most easy-going approach ever, no matter what. Julie will definitely be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all whose life she touched. She was preceded by her father, Larry Bloodsworth; her paternal grandfather Thomas Bloodsworth; maternal grandparents Joseph and Agnes Sewell, and her step-father, Timothy Waldrop. Left to cherish her memories are: her adoring husband of the past eight years, Matthew Craig of Arlington, TN; her only daughter, Addison Clay, also of Arlington; her loving mother, Judith Waldrop and brother Brian Bloodsworth, both of Gulfport, her sister Jolene Bloodsworth of St. Johns, FL; step-siblings Krystal, Tommy, and Regina Waldrop, and Stephanie Bruce; her paternal grandmother, Dena Bloodsworth of Boone, IA; aunts and uncles: Christina and Rich, Roxy, Jimmy, and Jolene; her nephew Judah Mathew, along with numerous extended family members, friends, and co-workers far and wide. Her final wishes were to be cremated, which her family is honoring. A Celebration of her Life is being planned for the near future. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Craig family in their time of need, and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.