Patti Simpson Crawford

Born November 14, 1928, in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Lester and Lela Simpson, her family later moved to Ararat, NC where she attended Copeland High School and graduated with honors in 1947.

A birthright Quaker, Patti enrolled at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1951. She was a class officer, cheerleader, and was very involved as a member of the choir, women’s student government, women’s athletic association, and homecoming court. At Guilford College, Patti met her husband of 50 years, Larry A. Crawford, Jr. As alumni, both Patti and Larry remained actively involved as members of the Board of Visitors, Century Club, Presidents Club, and the Quaker Club.

While living in Greensboro, NC, Patti taught elementary school for many years and was an active member of her church and other community organizations. She enjoyed sailing and received the McClellen Trophy for outstanding qualities of seamanship and sportsmanship at the High Rock Yacht Club. Patti later relocated to Beaufort, NC and became a real estate broker and served as co-owner and Vice President of Beaufort Realty. She then served as President of the Beaufort Business and Professional Association in 1989 and, through her love for music, helped organize the Beaufort By-The-Sea Music Festival. Patti later settled in New Bern, NC where she would spend her remaining years making memories with family, being an active member of First Presbyterian Church, birdwatching, and playing bridge with friends. Patti had several passions, but very much enjoyed playing with her dogs, reading, genealogy, walking on beaches, and collecting seashells.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Lela Simpson, husband, Larry A. Crawford, Jr., son, Craig Crawford, brother, Garrett Simpson, grandson, Matthew Holden, and son-in-law, John R. Holden. She is survived by her daughters, Dr. Cynda Crawford of Gainesville, FL and Catherine Holden of Fuquay-Varina, NC, grandson Jeffrey Holden (Kati) of Holly Springs, NC, great granddaughters, Chandler and Reese Holden of Holly Springs, NC, sister-in-law Aylette Crawford of Richmond, VA, niece Robin McAdam, and nephew Scott Simpson.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greensboro, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Patti Crawford’s name to Colonial Capital Humane Society in New Bern, NC or any animal shelter of choice.