Darlene Crawford

Darlene Crawford was born to Alice (Peterson) and Odell Crawford on September 29, 1956, in Bastrop, Texas. Darlene accepted Christ at an early age and was a life-long member of the Corinth Missionary Baptist Church. She attended schools in the Austin Independent School District and graduated from Johnston High School in 1976. Darlene worked for Austin State Hospital, where she retired with 30 years of service in 2006.

Darlene was an Usher. She loved every minute of serving as an Usher. She was energetic, amazingly kind, and forever faithful. She served on the Corinth Missionary Baptist Church Usher Board for more than 15 years before she ascended to President. Darlene possessed a holy boldness that earned her the title of “BO$$” amongst her church family and friends. She was a faithful member and served as President for thirteen years of the Ushers, Nurses and Greeters. She was a devoted servant of God and relished her responsibilities to church because she loved to glorify God. She made sure the Ushers were “decent and in order” for service each week; and she nurtured and mothered the junior ushers to instill in them the honor of being a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord.

Darlene was a Leader. She labored faithfully with the St. John Regular Baptist District Association’s Ushers and the Austin Citywide ushers. She was the Corresponding Secretary for Austin Central Sub-District under the leadership of Gary M. Renfro and worked as the 2nd Vice President of the St. John Ushers, Nurses and Greeters. Darlene was diligent in service and would make calls, send emails, and send text messages to remind individuals of upcoming meetings and worship times. She was not timid about asking others to serve and support the church. It was not uncommon for Darlene to ask for usher dues; even if you were not an usher she would still ask for a donation. She was truly focused on giving to support the kingdom of God.

Darlene was a Caregiver. She had a special place in her heart to care for children and the elderly who were in need. Although retired, and busy with church activities she found the time to make sure a WWII Veteran, Eddie Houston, who lived, alone had food, shelter and an honorable burial in 2018. The Austin American Statesman Newspaper recognized her on September 25, 2018, for taking care of the WWII veteran (Read the story). In 2020, she became certified as a Foster Parent by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. During this time, she fostered 5 beautiful girls and cared for many others in her home.

Darlene was on a mission for the Lord to be a blessing to others. Darlene often sent words and expressions of encouragement to others just because she wanted to share the goodness of God. She sent cards of encouragement to many others; if she knew of anyone being sick, she would make sure they received a card or a gift basket. She did not stop there! Darlene’s holy boldness was only matched by her humility in service. She would arrange visits for the Jr. Ushers to present donations to the Ronald McDonald House and the Battered Women’s Shelter throughout the years.

Her passing has left a gap in our heart. Many of us who were around Darlene during the last seven months of her life shared a lot of laughter and rich conversations in which she would often take over by saying in her own way “Are y’all finished talking because this is about Me.”

Now, Darlene is with the Lord. Early on Sunday morning, February 6, 2022, while resting peacefully, God elevated Darlene just as he said he would in his scripture, Matthew 25:21. Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Darlene departed this earthly life and awakened in eternity in the bosom of her Lord.

She was preceded in death by her Parents: Alice and Odell Crawford; Brothers: Glen Crawford and Kenneth Swain; Aunt: Rosie Peterson; Uncles: Alvin Peterson, Walter Lewis Peterson and Murry “Chick” Peterson along with her great-grandson, DaKyrie Earl Bedford.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Dennis Crawford, granddaughter, Destinie Crawford: Brothers: Tyrone Crawford (Kai); Dana Crawford, Ronald E. Crawford, Sisters: Joyce Swain, Kathy Lewis, and Sandra Lee; Nieces: Tiffany Middleton; Tayiah Crawford, Somijah Reed; Tiffinie Harris, mother of granddaughter: Godson: Braxton Smith and a host of family and friends.

Today is all about celebrating the life of Darlene Crawford. To God Be The Glory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Crawford family.