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Obituary For Mrs. Clemmye M. Crawford
Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home, Inc. announces the transition of Mrs. Clemmye M. Crawford.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Cedar Oak Memorial Park, 1401 Mimosa Park Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405. Rev. Dr. Curtis Marie Smalls, officiant and eulogist.
Clemmye Marie Simon Crawford, 95, died Wednesday, May 31, 2023, peacefully, naturally, and resolute at her home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Clemmye was born December 25, 1927, in Lake Charles, LA to the late Beulah Hawkins Simon and Mottimo (Mott) Simon where she grew up with her three sisters on her parent's farm. Her sisters Irma Mandana Simon Harris, Lillian Macy Simon Roberts, and Justine Anita Simon Sutphen preceded her in death.
Clemmye graduated high school in Lake Charles followed by a short college stay in Texas before going on to a nursing program in New Orleans, LA where she met and married the love of her life, William (Bill) Stephen Crawford, Sr. of Tuscaloosa. Shortly after she gave birth to a son, Bill, Jr. (Billy). While her husband Bill enlisted in the US Air Force, Clemmye returned to the farm as their base of operations and sometime later gave birth to a daughter, Reneé Barnes (Crawford). Clemmye took the family to join him once her husband was stationed in Japan, after which they moved to Los Angeles, CA. In Los Angeles, she worked as a social worker for the county for 30 years, was a member of Holman Methodist Church, sang in their choir, and supported her husband in the Southern California Rapid Transit District bus driver's union leadership all while raising a family. After retirement, she moved to her husband’s hometown of Tuscaloosa, where she volunteered at the Maude L. Whatley Health Center and was an active member and Associate Matron of Muskin Pride Chapter #870-B Order of the Eastern Star for 39 years. She and Bill became active members at St. Paul AME Church as well as in a local social club and were instrumental in development of the Crawford/Madison/Mack family reunions and Tuscaloosa committee.
Clemmye was a gracious, graceful, accessible, genuine, kind, loyal, loving, generous, supportive, caring, and spiritual person who loved family, friends, and people. She enjoyed fashion, shopping, cooking, singing, Mahalia Jackson, playing the organ (even tried the guitar), letter writing, reading, crossword puzzles, game shows, movies, traveling, visiting, Christmas, the church, and, most of all, she loved the Lord.
Clemmye was preceded in death by her husband, daughter, and Leo Barnes (son-in-law).
Clemmye is survived by her son William (Billy) Stephen Crawford, Jr., granddaughter Michelle-Reneé Johnson (Barnes), grandson Matthew Barnes (Amy and Landon), great granddaughter Sydney Jade Barnes, nieces Sussan Sutphen, Diane Sutphen, Lady Cecil Sutphen (Gerard Wilkes), and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention here. She will be missed by all who knew her.
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Lesley L Barnes sent Everlasting Memory Standing Spray for Mrs. Clemmye M. Crawford - June 23, 2023
Always in our hearts. Lesley, Ouida, Ted&Sandra
Pamela Sherrick sent Sweet Moments for Mrs. Clemmye M. Crawford - June 15, 2023
In loving memory of Clemmye Crawford. Bill, sincere condolences on the passing of your lovely mother Clemmye. All our love, Jim and Pam Sherrick
Bill this note is for you and your family in the loss of your Mother. Mrs. Crawford(Duchess)was one of the most beautiful and caring women that we have known. We met here as she volunteered at Maude Whatley Health Center for several years as a telephone operator. She was one of the best at manning the phone. We continued our friendship after she no longer volunteered, and even after Gloria's disability and my retirement. She always sent both of us birthday cards. We didn't get them this year, she passed just before our birthday month. We will always remember her and our special visits and phone calls. We love you Duchess. Gloria Grant-Bell and Lucy Bendolph aka Dr. Culpepper
I am so grateful to know you, Clemmye mama❤️ I love you so much and I know you're loving your heavenly time with Bill, Renee, Leo and all of your precious family! Love you Martha
Aunt Clemmye was such a BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT and her Light brightened my life so much that I will always carry her tor h and pass on that Spirit of Family LOVE! She always amazed me with her intellect and shared so much of our historical Past that made our family remain so strong And always feel loved and appreciated so we can pass that on for generations! Rest EASY aunt Clemmye your SPIRIT LIVES ON!❤️
I will always remember her caring and concern for others, her beautiful smile and her warmth and compassion. She was an important member of our family and will be missed. She was always a pleasure to be around. Lastly, i thank God for her caring son who was ever present.
Aunt Clemmye...My fondest memory is as a child when you'd come to Los Angeles to visit and stay with us at Granny and Dee Dee's house. I remember you always having a smile on your face whenever we'd see you and whatever room you took space in, it was filled with so much love and laughter. Oh how I remember those days! We love you Aunt Clemmye!
Love Anisha
Billy our thoughts and prayers are with you and family. We all loved Clemmye dearly and she'll be missed but not forgotten. Love Gwen and the whole Family
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of the lovely Mrs. Crawford. I always referred to her as my Dutchess just so elegant and royal. She will truly be missed. She will forever live on in our hearts and minds.
Sending heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of one classy lady.My Mother Carrie Little thought the world of her and so did we all .
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
