"Red" Crawford

"Loving Mother, Sister, and Friend" Clyde – Martha "Red" Smathers Crawford, age 80, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 31, 2015 surrounded by family and friends. A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, she was a daughter of the late, Hugh Jesse and Zelva Overman Smathers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James David "Johnny" Crawford and a daughter, Jessica Yvonne Crawford. "Red" was a special lady who will be remembered fondly in many ways. She was dedicated to her family, and as a young widow, Martha raised her daughters to be strong, caring and always encouraged them to do their best. After raising her daughters, she received her GED and went on to retire from Haywood Regional Home Health as a Certified Nursing Assistant. For many faithful years, "Red" was a school bus driver where she made friends for a lifetime with the children. Music was a special part of Martha's life. She loved playing the guitar and singing with her friends and family. Her love of reading was evident by the cases of books she always kept from libraries, especially books about history. "Red" was a faithful member of the Canton Church of God of Prophecy. Above all, "Red" loved her Lord and Savior and lived her life according to his promises. She is survived by one daughter, Jamee Crawford of Asheville; one sister, Marvelene Smathers Chapman, (Jack A.), of Asheville; special nieces, Vanessa Chapman Poehlein and Renai Chapman Holcombe and several other beloved nieces and nephews, whom she adored; and a special cat, Cody. The family wishes to express a special thank you to her caregivers, Ashley Trimnal, Carol Geri, and her Hospice Clinical Team, Roxie, Beck, & Deb. A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, November 5, 2015 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Terrence Threadwell officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Canton Church of God of Prophecy, 860 Terrace Drive, Canton, NC 28716.

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