Beatrice "Queen Bea" Crawford Huff

‘QUEEN BEA’

Born: April 14, 1929

Transitioned: February 2, 2026

Beatrice Crawford Huff, a pioneer, matriarch, and "hostess extraordinaire," transitioned peacefully from her abundant life to her eternal life on February 2, 2026, at the age of 96. Born on April 14, 1929, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Joseph David and Lela Curry Crawford, Beatrice was a beacon of light for her family and community.

A woman of remarkable determination, Beatrice proved that it is never too late to pursue a calling. At age 50, she enrolled in nursing school at Spalding University and later graduated from Eastern Kentucky University, making history as one of the first Black Family Nurse Practitioners in the state of Kentucky. Her life was a masterclass in beginning again, proving that purpose has no expiration date.

Beatrice was the heart of her home, famously dubbed "Bea’s Bed and Breakfast." She delighted in creating gourmet meals and welcomed guests with a legendary warmth. Her 51-year marriage to William ”Killer” Huff was a testament to enduring love until his passing in 2002.

She is survived by her loving children: step-son, Ronald J. Huff; daughter, Elder Cheri Huff Porterfield Makeda; son, Brian Crawford Huff; and daughter-in-law, C. Lorraine Davis. Along with her three surviving sisters, Sylvia Crawford Harris, Genevieve Crawford Seymore, and Darlene Crawford Johnson.

Her legacy continues through her five grandchildren, Desmond (Shante) Huff; Monique Porterfield (O’Farrell, Sr.) Washington; Jonathan (Roshay) Huff; Tanna Huff Smith, and Kali Huff Smith. She also has six grand-grandchildren who enjoyed her love and compassion, Kennedy (Lorenzo) Huff; Kayin Huff; Kaison Huff; O’Farrell Washington Jr.; William Washington; and Gabrielle Washington.

Along with her parents, Beatrice was preceded in death by eight of her siblings: King David, Dorothy. Oscar, Claude, Constance, Joan, Sylverster, Eula; and granddaughter, Erika.

She also leaves behind multiple nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great-grand nieces, and nephews, extended family, and friends. While we mourn her passing, we rejoice in the 96 years of wisdom and love she poured into us all. And we know the truth that her spirit lives on in the many lives she healed and the hearts she fed.

"Gracious and Eternal God

We thank You for the 96 years of life, light, and legacy embodied in our beloved Beatrice, ‘Queen Bea.”

We thank You for the 'abundant life' she lived—from the front lines of nursing to the warmth of her own kitchen table.

Lord, we thank You for the hands that healed, the heart that welcomed the weary, and the spirit that never stopped reaching for higher ground. As we leave this place, we ask that You carry the essence of her hospitality with us. May we be as bold as she was to start anew, and as gentle as she was to offer a place of rest to a stranger.

We commit her spirit into Your eternal care, knowing that in Your house, there are many mansions—and that she has finally found the ultimate 'Bed and Breakfast' at Your side.

In the name of the Great Physician and the Giver of Peace,

Amen."