Dr. Alvin Leonard Crawley

On March 5, 2023, Dr. Alvin Leonard Crawley made his heavenly transition, after a valiant battle with glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer. He was 64. Determined not to let his illness define his life, most of his family and friends were unaware of his surgeries, radiation therapy and chemotherapy treatments. With the unwavering support, encouragement and love from his spouse, Stephen M. Stinnette, he courageously participated in clinical trials involving monthly plane trips to Boston and daily medical management of drug therapies, with the goal of improving his prognosis, but also with the hope of contributing to clinical research that may benefit future patients with this rare and incurable disease. Dr. Crawley’s wish was to live every day to the fullest with optimism and joy. When asked how he was doing, he responded with the standard but reassuring response that he was “hanging in there.” It was his nature to be attentive to the needs of others. It was not unusual for him, despite his failing health, to take time to write a letter of recommendation for a former student or colleague. He was always ready to offer career advice or share words of encouragement whenever anyone, experiencing a challenging situation, reached out to him. He could light up a room with his beautiful smile and keen sense of humor!

Dr. Crawley cherished his family and friends. He was the third and youngest of three boys born to the late Laundry Crawley Sr. and Ruby Lee Crawley in Richmond, Virginia. He was named after his late grandfather Alvin Jack Ford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers - Laundry Crawley Jr. and Freddie Crawley. Young Alvin spent many of his childhood years under the loving care of his second mother, aunt Edna Lorene Epps and her late husband uncle John Epps. Their children Bryan Epps (Michelle) and Sonya Epps-Crawford (Mark) were more like brother and sister to him than cousins. In addition to these relatives and his spouse, Dr. Crawley is survived by aunt Shirley Greene, son Eric Crawley (Katie), grandson Noah Crawley, nephew Laundrell Gates (Chaunacie), great-niece Micah Gates, Godson/nephew Tre’Jon Epps and a host of cousins and dear friends.

Dr. Crawley held a deep sense of gratitude for his devoted friends Dr. Tomas Sedlacek, Dr. Mark Levine, Steve Herman, Dr. Betty Hobbs, Clarence Stukes, Dr. Robert Smith, Dr. Julie Crawford, Dr. Lisa Piehota, Dr. Aleta Myers and Richard Scott. With appreciation and affection, he embraced Stephen’s close friends and the Stinnette family for their kindness and support, and for welcoming him into their lives with open hearts.

A connoisseur of cooking, Dr. Crawley found comfort working alongside Stephen in the garden, growing vegetables and herbs to incorporate into a favorite recipe. Sharing a love for nature, they enjoyed many companionable walks together along wooded trails and sandy beaches. Dr. Crawley was happy when listening to music, dancing to James Brown, and playing the trumpet in various musical groups. His musical talent shone through as the high-stepping drum major during football games at George Wythe High School and his limited stint as assistant drum major at Hampton University (previously Institute). Dr. Crawley loved his Home by the Sea. He credited his Hampton University family and his high school teachers and counselors for giving him the courage to stand tall in the face of adversity. He appreciated the opportunity to be a part of the Hampton “Force” Marching Band and the academic preparation to successfully complete a Bachelor of Science degree (Hampton University), Master of Science degree (Northeastern University) and Doctor of Education degree (University of Massachusetts at Amherst). He was inducted into the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Beta Gamma Chapter on April 8,1978.

Dr. Crawley possessed a brilliant mind, a loving heart and a kind, gentle soul. He was a man of integrity and fairness, often advocating for those who have no voice, while always seeking out the best in everyone. A true trailblazer, Dr. Crawley leaves behind a legacy of excellence in education, which spans forty years as a teacher, speech pathologist, and administrator - pre-kindergarten through college. He concluded his career as a full-time faculty member in the George Mason University Graduate School of Education. Dr. Crawley was the recipient of numerous local, state, and national awards. Most notably, he was the first African American Assistant Superintendent of Schools in the Arlington Public Schools and first African American Superintendent of Schools in the Alexandria City Public Schools. Despite his stellar career and accomplishments, Dr. Crawley was quite humble and not one to seek out the spotlight. He was as comfortable sitting on the floor reading to kindergarteners or playing kickball with third graders on a dusty playground as he was in conducting a televised school board meeting. Dr. Crawley touched many lives and made a truly positive impact in the world. Like ripples on a pond, his legacy will continue for generations to come.

The family acknowledges with deep gratitude the incredible staff at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Capital Caring Health at Sibley Memorial Hospital for the excellent world-class care they provided. And the outpouring of love and support expressed by many caring friends, colleagues and neighbors was a great source of comfort and strength in the past weeks.

Following a private graveside memorial service, a Celebration of Life is planned for Dr. Crawley at Washington-Liberty High School in Arlington, Virginia, on Saturday evening, May 20th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. All who wish to share memories and fellowship are welcome.

DeVol Funeral Home Washington is assisting the family with final arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to an education scholarship fund of your choice