Kristie Craney Ainsworth

Kristie Craney Ainsworth, 68, of Jackson, Mississippi, went to be with the Lord on October 9, 2024. Born to Hugh Rodgers Craney and Lorraine Carson Craney, Kristie grew up in the Altawoods community with her sister Peggy and brother Rodger attending Altawoods Baptist Church during her 1st 16 years.

Kristie met the love of her life at the Mississippi State Fair in October of 1972. From all accounts, it was love at first sight. In February of 1973, Kristie saw Daryl off to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. The following May, Daryl was granted a three-day pass, and they were married on May 26th, 1973. In a tradition of moving swiftly they started their family right away. By August 1977, they had both of their children Rob and Angel which became the focal point of her young life.

Kristie was always deeply involved in her children’s lives. She participated in PTA every year of Rob and Angel’s primary education. She was involved in both children’s activities including Brownies, Cub Scouts, Ballet, Drill Team and various pageants just to mention a few. She proudly held the title of “Kool Aid Mom” as most of the neighborhood children came to her house for refreshments… except on Thursdays. Kristie cleaned the house from top to bottom every Thursday. The children knew not to come over on cleaning day. Kristie was also deeply committed to instilling family values such as a home cooked meal, eating at the dinner table together every night and attending church every time the doors were open.

In following their commitment to the Lord, Kristie and Daryl were founding members of Word of Life Church and Faith Covenant Church. One of the many roles that Kristie enjoyed was serving as a church counselor. This is where she realized her calling for helping others. She successfully raised her family while completing her education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Belhaven College and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Reformed Theological Seminary.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she had a successful career in counseling. She started a private practice excelling in helping troubled children. She went on to work in the Jackson Public School system, including Marion Counseling, CARES Behavioral Health Systems, and Capitol City Alternative School. She lovingly referred to all of her students as “her kids.” Due to a chronic lung disease (NSIP), Kristie retired early but embraced her role as "First (and only) Mate" on the family boat, the Ava Lee, where she spent many hours on the lake with family and friends (Marina Rats).

Kristie is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Daryl Ainsworth, her children Rob Ainsworth and Angel Ainsworth Eaves (John), her grandchildren Caleb Cauthen, John Arthur Eaves III (Julia), Sterling Eaves (Lizzie), Brady Eaves, Christian Eaves (Rives), Ava Eaves and her great grandson Thomas Eaves. She is also survived by her sister Peggy Lossett (Kenny), her brother Rodger Craney (Kim) and a host of nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. Kristie was proceeded in death by her father Hugh Rodgers Craney, her mother Lorraine Carson Craney and her grandmother Ola Hodges Carson.

A visitation for Kristie will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, Mississippi 39209, followed by a celebration of life at 3:00 PM.