Carolyn Joan Vann Crawford, 95, of Roanoke Rapids, NC passed away on July 22, 2025.
Carolyn was born in Trenton, SC on September 17, 1929 to the late Beatrice Stephens Vann and Julius Marshall Vann.
Carolyn had an idyllic youth growing up in the small community of Trenton among close family, friends, and the Episcopal church.
She graduated from Trenton High School and attended Converse College for two years before marrying Jesse (Jay) Turner Crawford, Jr. in 1949.
Carolyn and Jay started their family in Cheraw, SC where they developed and maintained deep lifelong friendships.
Carolyn’s memories of and love for South Carolina were always part of her heart – “God’s Country” as she often said.
Jay’s career in textile management took them to Roanoke Rapids, NC in 1964 where Carolyn lived for sixty-one years.
Carolyn built close bonds with many friends and was involved in the community and in her children’s lives: Cub Scout leader, Brownie Scout leader, Bible School teacher, grade mother, carpool driver, and community volunteer for many years. Carolyn was active in First Presbyterian Church where she received an Honorary Life Membership from its women’s organization, Presbyterian Women.
The church remained steadfast to her when she could no longer attend due to declining health. Carolyn faced health challenges with strength and grace.
Carolyn was known for her kindness, authenticity, sense of humor, strong spirit, graciousness, and warm hospitality.
She and Jay created a home where all ages felt welcome.
Carolyn taught her children and grandchildren the importance of good manners and politeness in greeting others.
She is remembered as saying “My mama always said, ‘No fool, no fun!’”
Carolyn represented an age and style that has largely passed but should always be remembered.
She was from a generation that valued manners, civility, kindness, and doing the “right” thing because it was the right thing.
Carolyn’s family will miss her but rejoices in knowing she has eternal peace and is reunited with those she loved and missed so much.
Carolyn is survived by her sons Vann Crawford, Jess Crawford and his wife Valerie, and her daughter Carol Crawford. Her grandchildren are Sarah Crawford, Ashley Moore and husband Derek, Christine O’Keefe and husband Chris, Rebecca Faver and husband Derek, and Turner Crawford and wife Sharon. Her great grandchildren are Jay O’Keefe, Harper Moore, Samuel O’Keefe, and Jett Crawford. Carolyn also is survived by many nieces and nephews whom she adored and they adored her.
Carolyn was predeceased by her loving husband, Jesse Turner Crawford, Jr., her mother-in-law and father-in-law Rose and Jesse Turner Crawford Sr., her sister and brother-in-law Cathryn and Marion Holman, her sister-in-law and brother Peggy and Bill Vann, her sister-in-law and brother Mary Porter and Mot Vann, and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Marguerite and Halbert Acker.
Carolyn’s family is especially grateful for the compassionate care she received from her caring and attentive healthcare team over many years, the aides who were dedicated to her care in recent years, and the caregivers who provided loving care during her final days. The family also is thankful for their “ray of sunshine” who has helped them for over ten years.
Funeral services and burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., August 6, at The Church of Our Saviour in Trenton, SC with The Reverend Lathrop Mosley officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held in Roanoke Rapids, NC at a later date. Wrenn Funeral Home in Roanoke Rapids, NC and Edgefield Mercantile in Edgefield, SC are handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the following:
Our Saviour Cemetery Association, c/o Peggy Ann Moss, 406 Church St., Trenton, SC 29847;
First Presbyterian Church, 16 East 5th St., Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870; Feed a Family First,
P.O. Box 844, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.