Deacon Charles Edward Crawford

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die." -Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 Charles Edward Crawford was born January 27, 1940, born to Solomon Crawford, Sr. and Josephine Hutcherson Crawford in Heth, Arkansas. Charles confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and received his formal education at Derossitt School. He lived in several states including Chicago, IL, Gary, IN, Louisiana, and made his home in Indianola, Mississippi for many years. He joined Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Indianola, MS under the leadership of Reverend Ellis Johnson. He was very active in the church and served as a deacon and sang with various quartet groups including the Spiritual Stars and with his then wife, The Holy Angels. He was employed for many years at Lockard Elementary School and later worked for Fishbelt Feeds, Inc. in Moorhead, Mississippi. He later moved back to St. Francis County [Forrest City, Arkansas] and joined Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Napolia Grace. He served faithful on the Deacon’s Board, Male Chorus, as a lead singer in the church, and the Vice President of the Wednesday night Bible Class. In the evening hour of February 21, 2024, God softly whispered to His child, "Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord." God received the spirit of Deacon Charles Edward Crawford as he entered the complete rest of our Savior in Memphis, Tennessee at Regional One Health. He is preceded in death by his parents— Solomon Crawford, Sr. and Josephine Hutcherson Crawford; brothers— Solomon Crawford, Jr., Darnell Crawford, William Crawford, and Melvin Crawford; sisters— Sadie Mae Crawford, Maggie Crawford, Lillie Belle Crawford Burse, Eloise Crawford Mason, Paralee Griffin and Viola Crawford Holmes. He leaves to cherish his memory two children— Kathy Lee Crawford of Chicago, IL and Charles Crawford, Jr. of Davenport, IA and children he loved as his own— Victoria Sayles of Monroe, LA, Willie (Janel) Allen of Leland, MS, Vanessa Gray of Shreveport, LA, and Paula Farr of Indianola, MS; one sibling— Clarine Richards of Hot Springs, AR; grandchildren; great grandchildren; three special nieces— Betty (FC) McDowell of Forrest City, AR, Nilean (Dennis) Siggers of Marion, AR, and Angela (Eric) Phair of Lawton, OK; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Deacon Charles Edward Crawford

January 27, 1940 - February 21, 2024