Funeral Services for Mrs. Vida Joyce Moore Kraus, age 71 of Cragford, will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at Mt. Gilead Community Church with Rev. Larry Conger. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Christian Church Cemetery.
Mrs Joyce passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at the Clay County Nursing Home. She was born in Ashland, but grew up in Chambers County. She was a graduate of Chambers County High School and attended Southern Union Community College. After marrying her first husband who was in the service, they lived in Japan, Texas, Cumming, Georgia and eventually settled in Opelika for several years before moving back to Clay County. Joyce worked in bookkeeping for over 40 years, including various banking and financial institutions , and was employed for several years at APR in Opelika and Sonic Tools in Auburn. Joyce (or “Joycie” as she was affectionately called by family) enjoyed gathering with family and friends for making music and fellowship, as well as oil painting, fishing, and traveling with her family on cruises. She enjoyed a wide range of sports and athletic events in her lifetime. From playing softball, to traveling to Las Vegas to play pool in the National A.P.A. Tournament, to receiving her black belt in karate, Joyce enjoyed a competitive spirit and loved adventure and fun. Mrs. Joyce was described as organized and intelligent, with a quick wit and having a fun personality. Joyce was most of all a faithful Christian, and loved her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. She was a member of Mt. Gilead Community Church, and loving mother, grandmother, and sister.
Mrs. Kraus is survived by her son, Benjamin Kraus (Kirsten King) of Cragford; four grandchildren: Icess, Chase, Zayne, and Freya; her great-grandchild, Maze; three sisters: Wilma Christian (Tim) of Dahlonega, GA, Gaye Nann Carter (R. Michael Carter) of Atlanta, GA, and Jan Taylor (Don) of Sylacauga; five brothers: Charles Moore (Bonnie) of Opelika, Danny Moore, Joel Moore, and Terry Moore, all of Ashland, and Phillip Moore of Seale; plus a large extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents: George and LaVada Moore and husbands, James Calvin Kraus and Michael Warlick; and two brothers: Sammy and R.V. Moore.
Active Pallbearers will be Rick Moore, Gage Hodges, Blake Christian, Seth Carter, Richard Phillips, and Vince Harris. Honorary Pallbearers will be Drew Gentry and Chris Jones.
Her visitation will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Mt. Gilead Community Church beginning at 12:30 P.M. until service time at 2:00 P.M.
Send online condolences to benefieldfuneralhome.com
Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville is in charge of arrangements.
