Mrs. Cleola "Coby" (Washington) Crawford

WHITESTOWN – Mrs. Cleola “Coby” (Washington) Crawford, age 74, went home to the Lord on Friday, January 6, 2023, after a faithful and rewarding life. At the time she entered eternal rest, she was surrounded by her family. Born in Utica on January 11, 1948, Cleola was the daughter of the late Ernest James and Mamie Lee (Lane) Washington. She attended Potter Elementary School, Kernan Middle School, and in 1966 she graduated from Utica Free Academy High School. On April 3, 1965 she was united in marriage to Earl F. Crawford. When they were younger, Earl was amazed by her maternal instincts from the way he saw her tend to children. An altruistic attribute that lasted the test of time! Coby and Earl were bonded by love, family, and the concern for each other’s needs. Their reciprocal respect and regard made their marriage remarkable and memorable. After raising their three children, and caring for her home, Coby gained employment as a waitress at the iconic Wolfie’s Restaurant in downtown Utica, and subsequently she worked at K-Mart, Price Chopper as Night Manager at the Mohawk Street location, and lastly at Oneida National Bank/Fleet Bank as a Customer Service Representative at their Horatio Street location. She then began to care for her beloved elders of the family, a labor of love, and a benefit to generations beyond. As a friend, Coby was a faithful treasure, but do not cross her! Although she had a direct and dry sense of humor, she delivered a rousing rebuttal to which her husband would grant her a touché for her clever comment! As a mother, she was very protective of her boys from their youth to her last day; her stamina and stance never wavered. Coby always carried red and white star mints and strawberry candies in her purse to achieve her method of calming a child. Her kids always remembered her presence at their sporting events, whether near or far from home. She loved attending their games and was proud when they made a good play, but never appreciated when a defensive play was deployed against them. Memorable times included camping in their trailer, with fishing poles for all. Coby’s routine was to have one of the boys bait her hook, cast the rod, and if a nibble came along, one of the other kids would retrieve her line, …and she called that fishing! At home in her kitchen, her signature dishes included potato salad, dressing, spaghetti and sauce, and pound cake ~ good comfort foods that pleased everyone’s palate. Pepsi Cola was her beverage of choice, and whenever she would visit anyone, they made sure they had it available for her. Coby was a classy dresser, a trait she inherited from her mom, and shopping was a favorite pastime and passion for her. She was a prominent “QVC queen” and purchased shoes and hats galore ~ she still had many outfits with price tags still attached. Whenever they shopped in a mall, she and her husband would walk alongside each other engaged in conversation, and all of a sudden she would be “missing in action” only to be found in a shoe store! A warm and welcoming hostess, Coby cherished celebrating holidays at her home with loved ones, in-laws, and anyone who needed the joy of company and a place at her table. A hospitable host, she welcomed all with open arms. She was raised up in St. Paul’s Baptist Church where the Lord’s love and teachings all began, and her Christian experience was formed. Coby was a missionary, outreaching to ease pain and sending meals and love to families in need. She also assisted in food preparation and served at the Hope House; she was truly blessed with compassion in her heart for others. A devout parishioner of St. Paul’s Baptist Church, Sundays were set aside for church services, a long held religious devotion she shared with her husband. It is only women like her, who lived their life grounded in the Lord that could find the time to be others-centered, and do His good work. Cleola is survived by her cherished husband, Earl, Sr.; her three sons and their wives, Earl F. Jr. and Karen Crawford, of Deland, FL. Bruce G. Sr. and Audrey Crawford, of Glenn Burnie, MD and Michael Sr. and Jennifer Crawford. Coby was so proud of the wonderful women her sons had married, and although daughters-in-law, they shared in a relationship with Coby as if they were her daughters. Precious to her were each of her grandchildren, Earl F. III and Amanda Crawford, Jessica and Elio Vega, William and Erin Crawford; Jenelle Crawford, and Bruce G. Crawford Jr.; Ashley Crawford, Shanté Washington and fiancé Hubert Ouiya, and Brianna Crawford; and the memory of her infant grandsons, Michael Keith Crawford, Jr., and Dominick Michael Crawford who preceded her and with whom she is now reunited in heaven. She also leaves her adored great-grandbabies, Earl F. Crawford, IV; Cameron Crawford, Capree Walton, and Cai’Lyna Walton; KaMiah Ouiya, and Karmello Ouiya; a sister, Carolyn Washington; of Broken Arrow, OK, sisters-in-law, Diane Washington, of Cortlandt, NY; Dorothy Haynes, Stephanie Tullis-Washington, of Smyrna, GA and Carol Washington; of Kinston, NC. her siblings who preceded her, Ernesteen and Charlie Mitchell, Arthur J. Washington, Walter Washington, Nathanial Washington, Eddie C. Washington; brother-in-law, Will Walker; and her late brother-in-law, Otis Matthews. She will also be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews; cousins; and in-laws, Shirl and Earl Myers of Harrisburg, PA. The family extends sincere thanks to the physicians and nursing staff at MVHS at St. Luke’s Campus who were very kind and personable, especially Claudia and Ele who were outstanding. Gratitude is also extended to Pastor Marilyn Bell for her spiritual solace and uplifting prayers; and the many who prayed for Cleola and her family and sent well-wishes to her. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 219 Leah Street, Utica. Cleola’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 5:00 p.m. immediately upon conclusion of visitation. Those unable to attend may be present for the services virtually on Zoom; Meeting ID: 835-638-95-256, Passcode: 179797.

Mrs. Cleola "Coby" (Washington) Crawford

January 11, 1948 - January 6, 2023