Carol Brewster Craig, MS, RD

Carol Brewster Craig, MS, RD, passed away peacefully on July 2nd leaving behind a profound legacy of education, leadership, institutional excellence, and deep devotion to her faith and family. Carol grew up in Sheffield, Alabama, alongside her sister Martha Ellen Farr, affectionately known as "Sister." She was raised by her parents, Margarite and Claude Brewster, both dedicated educators who instilled in her a lifelong love of teaching. After graduating from the University of Alabama, she briefly lived in Texas then moved to Birmingham, where she met her beloved husband, Hugh Boyd Craig III, while beginning her over fifty-year career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

As Professor Emeritus and former Director of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at the UAB School of Health Professions, Carol helped to shape the landscape of dietetics education. Her visionary leadership was cemented as a Dietetic Internship Pioneer, where she was instrumental in creating and building the highly successful dietetic internship program within the UAB Department of Nutrition Sciences. Over her fifty-year career at UAB, she co-authored cookbooks, secured numerous grants that strengthened the department, and mentored generations of nutrition professionals. Her extraordinary career was marked by numerous accolades. Locally, she was honored with the SHP Dean's Award in recognition of her long-standing excellence and transformative impact on the school. Nationally, she received the highest praise in her field when she was awarded the Medallion Award by the American Dietetic Association (now the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) for her exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to the dietetics profession. Her decades of teaching, mentoring, and guiding future generations are permanently celebrated through the Carol Brewster Craig Endowed Scholarship, which continues to support deserving students within the UAB Department of Nutrition Sciences. Beyond her academic achievements, Carol’s life was enriched by her deep faith and active participation at South Highland Presbyterian Church. She loved her church community dearly, dedicating her time to teaching Sunday school and serving for many years as the Co-Chair of the Flower Committee. In recognition of her abundant service and dedication, she was honored with the South Highland Presbyterian Church Women of the Year award. Carol had a vibrant social life and a wide circle of friends. Flower arranging was a passion, which she beautifully channeled into both her church work and her personal life. Above all, Carol cherished time spent with her family. Among her greatest joys was cooking for and talking with her grandchildren. She loved being at the lake and was a natural, gracious hostess who thoroughly enjoyed entertaining. She especially loved hosting her annual Christmas Eve parties, which became treasured traditions for family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Margarite and Claude Brewster; her beloved husband, Hugh Craig III; her sister, Martha Ellen Farr; and her stepson, Hugh Boyd Craig IV (Stacey). She is survived by her devoted daughter, Caroline Martin and son-in-law, Steve Martin whom she loved and appreciated; stepson, Mark Craig; and daughter-in-law, Stacey Craig. She cherished her grandchildren, Crossan Ryals, Layton Martin, Samuel Martin, Connie Craig and Joe Craig; and a large, extended family of nieces and nephews whom she adored. A service celebrating her life and legacy will be held on July 25, 2026, at South Highland Presbyterian Church at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Carol Brewster Craig Endowed Scholarship at UAB to continue her lifelong mission of supporting future nutrition professionals. https://go.uab.edu/craigendowment