Donald Crawford Obituary in Gastonia at Costner Funeral Home

Obituary For Donald Crawford

Donald Crawford was born to Mary Elizabeth Crawford-Howard and the late William Biggers on November 22,1944 in Lowell, North Carolina and was reared by his maternal grandparents, Fitzule and Ida Ophelia Crawford. Donald was called home on August 21, 2021.

Donald was a graduate of Reid High School and attended Morehouse College in Atlanta. While at Morehouse he was a proud member of the esteemed Morehouse Glee Club.

Since the early age of eight months old, Donald has loved music. Throughout his life’s journey, he has had a commitment to serve, whether it was service to his country in the United States Army, or through his service to the Lord with the Ministry of Music. He was the Minister of Music at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church and Woodland Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. He regularly attended the Thomas Dorsey Gospel Music Conference. He passed his love and appreciation of music to his niece, Brianna. Don worked and retired from Sears Roebuck and Company in a managerial position for over thirty years.

Don loved his family and was the connector between family members in and out of state. He will be fondly remembered as one who fussed and kept us laughing. He was a big Carolina Panthers fan.

He is survived by his mother Mary Elizabeth Crawford-Howard, sister, Cheryl Lynn Howard, niece, Brianna Elizabeth Howard and a host of loving cousins, family and friends.

“YOU HAVE LEFT OUR LIVES, BUT YOU WILL NEVER LEAVE OUR HEARTS”

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

PLACE: Greater Mt. Hebron Baptist Church 732 Mt. Hebron Church Road Gastonia, North Carolina 28054

DATE & TIME: Friday, August 27, 2021 AT: PRIVATE

BURIAL: Salisbury National Cemetery Salisbury, North Carolina (Tuesday, August 31, 2021 @ 10:00 A.M.)

Public viewing at the funeral home Thursday (8-26-2021) from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.

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I was a member of the store staff and had the pleasure of working with Don at the old Sears in Gastonia on Franklin Blvd from 1974-1981. He was always so pleasant and upbeat about whatever the situation was at any point in time. His first management assignment was as the Paint Dept Manager which he dove into with a contagious enthusiasm affecting anyone around him. He was a fine, christian ,gentleman who will be missed by his family and many friends. RIP Don! Doug Perry

Deepest sympathy for your loss. Don was A man of integrity, Faith and humor! He will be greatly missed. Grace and Peace. Sincerely CHERRY LOVE Margate, FL 33063

My heart is so saddened over your leaving us but rejoice in knowing you are home with the Father. Gob but never forgotten! Grace and Peace Cherry Love Margate, Fl

My heart is sadden of the lost o Mr Crawford I won't forget praise and worship with him at woodland Presbyterian church we spent a lot of time Prayers if comfort to the the family he will be truly missed.. Deacon Harriet Benjamin

God has truly called home a true servant. Always a light in a dark room, showing, teaching, and leading us. You will truly be missed. Veronica Holmes McElhaney

I thought the world of Don. I worked in Customer Service at Sears when he was in appliance sales. He was so kind and fun to be around. He was always upbeat and happy. He could make anyone smile and feel good. Now he and Ken Wilson can be together because they were such great friends.
Don, you will be missed by many! I loved my friend.
Patricia (Patti) Hux

I worked with Donald at Sears for several years. He was always wise, encouraging and such a positive person to be around. I pray for strength and comfort for the family.

Crawford Family, May God bless, strengthen and keep you all in the days to come, Lisa Michelle Simpson.

James and I send our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Crawford family. May God give you peace and comfort during this time of celebration of Donald's life here on this earth. He is now with Jesus. God bless you all.