Issuu

My Love

My Darling Michael,

You were my precious King, my protector, my provider, my best friend, my confidant, and the best Husband that I could have ever dreamed of. It broke my heart to lose you, and it’s so tough to let you go because all the precious memories that we shared just still seem to flow. So I’m sending a dove to Heaven with a parcel on its wings. Be careful when you open it, it is full of beautiful things. Inside are a million kisses wrapped up in a million hugs, to say how much I miss you and send you all my love. I’ll hold you close within my heart, and there you will remain, to walk with me throughout my life until we meet again.

Your Loving Wife

Andrea

Words cannot describe the loss I feel right now, saying farewell to you. But Heaven chose to give you wings, and now it’s time you flew. I wish that we could have more time, that Gad had let you stay. Forever would not be long enough, but I would take one day. I wish I had just one more chance to see that tender smile, to laugh with you again, my dear, just for a little while. Gone too Soon.

Loving you Eternally Mom

Dad

I can’t tell you Daddy

How many tears I’ve cried

Since the day I was told

My precious Dad had died.

It seems so impossible

Although I know it’s true As everything I see around Reminds me, of you.

I can still hear your laughter

And see your smiling face I would have lost my sanity If not, for Gods saving grace.

I have to close this letter now, But this is not goodbye For you will forever, be with me

In my heart and mind

Love, Mario

Hero

You held my hand when I was small You caught me when I fell

You are the hero of my childhood

And my later years as well And every time I think of you

My heart still fills with pride

Though I will always miss you Dad I know you’re by my side In laughter and in sorrow

In sunshine and in rain

I know you’re watching over me

Until we meet again.

Love, Marqui

Daddy’s Girl

Daddy… Can you believe that for once I have no words? Me? You wouldn’t believe it. This time I can’t adequately put them together. What on earth did I do for God to give me such a man to be my daddy? I’ll never know. For 35 years, you managed never to miss a beat. You were there for every cut, burn, bruise, headache, hiccup, heartache, triumph, setback, and accomplishment; you were there. You never took an off day from being my daddy. I find peace knowing that you knew how much I loved you and the high regard I always held you in. You knew that I’d go to the ends of the earth about you and you the same for me. I’m not just anybody’s daughter; I’m Mike Crawford’s daughter… one of the most outstanding titles I’ll ever adorn. Tears hit my cheeks as our countless conversations, wrestling matches, me being annoying, and you being unbothered, and our duets continue to replay in my head. I can hear you saying, “Stop that crying, Punkin,” and assuring me that all will be well.

I know it will, Daddy. If I knew nothing else, I know that you wouldn’t want me in this place too long. Thank you for treating me like a princess, & raising good men out of my brothers, and treating my mama like a queen. I’ve got her daddy, and I’m never leaving her side. Major Michael Anthony Bush will know all about you and how excellent his Grandaddy Mike was. I wish he could’ve met you. Daddy, oh how I wanted more time, but the Lord wanted you more. I can’t blame him. You were just that amazing of a guy. Farewell & goodbye are just too hard to say; instead, I’ll just say see you later, Big Mike. Meet you in the by and by.

Love Your Babygirl,

Pumkin

In Loving Memory of a Special Brother

The day you left and gained your wings, our hearts just broke in two; we wish you could have stayed with us. But Heaven needed you.

You left us with the memories, and we love you dearly still No matter how much time goes by, you know we always will.

You were an extraordinary person with kindness in your heart, and the love we had together grows stronger now we’re apart.

I know we cannot bring you back. Although I wish for it every day, a piece of us went with you the day you went away.

Forever Loving You

Ellie, Curtis, Shawn Jr., Vondra & Renita

Michael Anthony Crawford

August 4, 1957 ~ October 22, 2021

Michael Anthony Crawford was born August 4, 1957, to the late Ellie Levon Crawford, Sr. and Rita Jean Yates Crawford in Memphis, Tennessee. He went from labor to reward Friday, October 22, 2021, in Memphis, Tennessee.

He accepted Christ at an early age at New Antioch Baptist Church and later served as a choir member at New Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Emerson D. Wright. Michael enjoyed music and loved to sing. He was a hard worker and took pride in whatever work he did with his charismatic personality. Michael greeted everyone with a smile. He was a fun-loving devoted husband and father, and he loved his family. He doted on his children Mario and Marqui, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his baby girl Punkin (Milaa’). He was honorably discharged from The United States Marine Corps. Michael was employed by Summit Trucking Group.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ellie L. Crawford, Sr. and his sister, Rita Crawford Jones.

Michael leaves to treasure his many memories, a devoted and loving wife, Andrea Denise Crawford, two sons, Mario (Ericka), Marqui (Erica), one daughter, Milaa’, seven granddaughters, six grandsons, and one greatgrandson. He also leaves his mother, Rita Jean Stewart and stepfather Curtis Stewart, Sr., and his stepmother, Inez Crawford, three brothers, Ellie (Daphne) Crawford, Curtis O. Stewart Jr. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, LaShun (Catrina) Crawford, two sisters, Vondra Crawford Martinez and Renita Carter of Racine, Wisconsin. He also leaves his mother-in-law Marie Washington, two aunts Nadine Gholston of Dalton, Illinois, and Barbara Polk, one uncle Alonzo Yates of Chicago, Illinois, five sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He will truly be missed!

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalms 23

Order of Celebration

Sunday, October 31, 2021

1:00 P.M.

Pentecostal Missionary Baptist Church 1538 Norris Road Memphis, Tennessee 38106

Reverend Steven J. Turner, Officiating

Prelude

Processional

Musical Selection.....................................................................................The Michael Crawford Celebration Choir

Scripture Reading: Old & New Testament...................................................................................................Elder Darrell Higgs Peace & Goodwill COGIC, Phoenix, IL

Prayer of Comfort..................................................................................................................Rev. Dr. Zedric Clayton City of Truth Church, Clarksdale, MS

Solo........................................................... ............Lady Erika Bartlett Cox Citadel of Deliverance Church

Words of Comfort...........................................................................................................Rev. Dr. Calverta McMorris Harris Memorial C.M.E

“Expressions of Love” (Respectfully, Three Minutes Please) Summit Trucking Group Friends & Family

Musical Selection.....................................................................................The Michael Crawford Celebration Choir ~ Video Tribute

Resolution....................................................................................................................................Mrs. Kathy Collins

Acknowledgements............................................................................................................Sis. Stephenie Washington

Solo.............................................................................................................................................Sis. Demetria Earle

Eulogy..........................................................................................................................Reverend Emerson D. Wright New Friendship M.B. Church

Recessional

~ Acknowledgements ~

The family of Michael A. Crawford extends its heartfelt thanks for every act of kindness, love, and compassion shown during this most difficult time. We appreciate every phone call, card, text, visit, and especially your prayers. May God continue to bless each of you. Special thanks to Antonio Bush, a dear family friend, for being here every step of the way for the Crawford Family.

“I’m Free”

Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call: I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found my place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joys. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too shall miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow: I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savoured much; Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my life seemed all too brief: Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me; God wanted me now, He set me free.