Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, on February 7, 1937, to James Drewry Wilkins and Louise McCulloch Wilkins, Martha grew up with a love for family and learning. She graduated from Grimsley High School in 1955 and went on to attend Salem College. She later earned her Bachelor of Arts from Averett University and her Master’s Degree in Education from Radford University.
On December 14, 1957, she married the love of her life, J.T. (Tom) Crawley Jr., at the First Baptist Church of Greensboro. Together they built a beautiful life and a strong, loving family. In 1966, they moved to Martinsville, which became their cherished home.
Martha dedicated over 25 years to teaching elementary students in the Martinsville City Schools and at Carlisle School. Her students adored her, and she them. Her classroom was a place of encouragement, warmth, and wonder—shaped by her deep belief in the potential of every child. Her students fondly remember her warmth, kindness, and the unwavering care she gave to each student.
Martha’s heart was always open—to her family, her friends, and her community. A lifelong member of First Baptist Church, she also served as a sustaining member of the Charity League of Martinsville, was active in the Garden Club of Virginia, various book and bridge clubs, and a member of Chatmoss Country Club and the Wake Forest Deacon Club. An avid Wake fan, she loved cheering on the Demon Deacon basketball team courtside alongside her husband, children, and grandchildren. Martha loved traveling both in the U.S. and abroad and found deep joy spending family time at the beaches of Cherry Grove, South Carolina and the Outer Banks. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Martha is survived by her husband of 67 years, Tom Crawley; her children Cathy Crawley, Tom Crawley III (Hui), and Jim Crawley (Kelly); her grandchildren Drew Thies (Lizzie Woods), Anna Harris (Daniel), Trish Lopez (Marco), Michael Crawley (Bethany), Wyatt Crawley, and Jackson Crawley; and two precious great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sister Betty Cheek (Forrest), sisters-in-law Sally Wilkins and Pat Perry, and a large extended family of nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, sister Nancy Arrington, and brother Jim Wilkins.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude to her doctors, caregivers, and the compassionate staff at King’s Grant, especially her devoted companion and friend, Jewel Pritchett.
