REV. ANNIE BELL JONES CRAWFORD
May 25, 1907- Jan. 3, 2010
Who can find a virtuous woman? She is a woman of strength and dignity, and has no fear of old age. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. -Proverbs Chapter 31
The Rev. Annie Bell Jones Crawford was born over a century ago May 25, 1907, on Jones Road in North Carolina unto the union of Lou Isler and James Jones. She was the middle-child of seven, with three older and three younger siblings.
At the age of 17, she was married to Jasper Crawford in Wayne County. Born to this union were five special children: Thomasine Louvenia, Minnie, Jasper (Jap/Buddy Man), David (Bunk), James (Bro) and Annie Laurena (Rene). Annie Bell was a North Carolina State Employee, retiring from Cherry Hospital in the early 1970s. She and her husband, Jasper, purchased land at a time when obstacles were great and resources slight--and on that plot she and Jasper built their home located at 1012 Slaughter Street in Goldsboro: a home that would become a foundation of countless memories.
Annie Bell Crawford was ordained in the 1940s as a Minister and was a founding member of Faith United Holy Church. She also founded the building site for where Faith United sits today and was key in forming the church name. The Rev. Annie Bell passionately shared throughout her life His Word and what the Lord has done. Her life was one of perseverance and triumph. Her love was that without conditions. Her blessings were bountiful--provided to those of her virtue.
In addition to her parents and siblings John R., Oscar, James Willie, Lillian, and Gladys, the Rev. Crawford was preceded in death by her husband, Jasper; and children Thomasine Louvenia, Jasper, David; and her baby girl and long-time caregiver, Annie Laurena, with whom she lived at the time of her daughter's earthly departure. She was also predeceased by sons-in Law, Excell Gattis and Alfonzo Uzzell and Grandson Johnny Crawford.
Annie Bell leaves a legacy of 102 years to be treasured and furthered by those she loved including her adoring grandson and grandaughter-in-law Darryle and Regina Crawford, with whom she resided; daughter Minnie Gattis, daughter-in-Law Elsie "Elise" Crawford, Sister Lizzie-Bell Shine; as well as those she helped raise including grandchildren Ronald J. (Maxine) Crawford, Larry (Paulette) Crawford, Joey "Reese" (Sharon) Kornegay, Michelle "Nacky" (Quintin) Aldridge and Alpheus "Al" (Tammy) Uzzell, great-granddaughter, Quantosha "Tot" Crawford (Byron) Woodard and great-great grandchild-Maurquan "Quan" Crawford.
Additionally, she leaves to celebrate her life grandchildren, Ricky, Keith, Veronica, Gwanita, Theresa, Cleveland, Jackie, Randy; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Please join us as we celebrate the wonderful, rich life of our beloved Bell. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Faith United Holy Church, located at 1603 South Slocumb St., in Goldsboro. Procession will begin the following morning, at 10 a.m. at the Rev. Crawford's Home Church, Faith United. The Celebration will be held at 11 a.m. at New Stoney Hill United Holy Church located at 1003 South Poplar St., Elder H.E. McNair officiating. Burial will follow at Old Mill Cemetery. We will gather again at New Stoney Hill for Repast.
The family would be honored to receive your shared memories and photos, showing just how "Bell" touched your life. Please send an e-mail to abctribute@ gmail.com, mail to Crawford Legacy, P.O. Box 1617, Leesburg, VA, 20177 or fax to (703)-880-6726. Your memories will be added to a keepsake that will be shared and cherished by both family and friends.
Graciously attending to our beloved is Rhodes Funeral Home of Goldsboro.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on January 7, 2010 1:47 PM