BJ Crain

BJ Crain was born in Avalon, Mississippi, and later made his home in Greenwood, Mississippi. In 1971, he relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he built a life filled with love, hard work, and devotion to his family and faith.

He attended Money Wilkes School in Money, Mississippi, before embarking on a long and dedicated career at Chrysler. Starting in 1973 as a chipper on the assembly line, he worked diligently for 25 years before retiring in 1998.

A man of deep faith, he was a member of Lockoloma Baptist Church in Money, Mississippi, and later worshiped at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church and Pathway Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis. His love for music led him to sing with the Male Choir, a role that brought him great joy.

His talents extended far beyond the workplace. He had a passion for gardening, hosting fish fries, and working as a mechanic. Raised in the country, he had an early start with responsibility, learning to drive a tractor at just seven years old. He was known for his deep love for his family, treasuring every moment spent at family reunions and gatherings.

On July 13, 1991, he married the love of his life, Jewel Strayhorn, blending their families and bringing together ten beloved children. He often shared his wisdom and humor, known for his favorite saying, “I’m feeling like a Jack over the hill with a Jenny.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Sr. and Rebecca Crain Sr.; his brothers Jesse Crain Jr., Author Lee Crain, and Roosevelt Crain; his sisters Zeolia Aldridge, Elnora House, Addie Mae, Lena Bell Stigler, James Ella Dickson, and Annie; and his bonus son, Donald Strayhorn Jr. (Gloria, Memphis, TN).

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Jewel L. Crain; his sisters, Robertha Jones and Rebecca Crain Jr.; his children, Dorothy A. Owen’s (Clyde), Joe Ann Nkrumah, Gladys Davis (Thomas), Ben Crain Sr., and Walter L. Crain; his bonus daughters, Karen D. Byrdo (Jeffery) and Angela L. Bailey (Toni); his bonus sons, Paul L. Strayhorn and Steven M. Strayhorn; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

His presence, love, and wisdom will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A visitation for Bj will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM.