To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Roberta Laws
December 13, 2002
When I was 5 years old , my father was called to the Mt. lebanon Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY. Debbie was my first friend in that church. We were both 6 years old by then and we stayed friends for 41 years. We used to hear our parents speak of their life long friends and now here we were 41years later. We stayed side by side, thorugh thick and thin, together, from elementary school to high school. Too many memories to name. Everyone thought we were related, "cousins", so we decided...WE WERE. Even when Deb moved to Charlotte the bond never weakened. And now in a moment, she's gone, and I can't wrap my heart and mind around the abence... of that smile. I love you "cous" and I will miss you, ALWAYS.
Didi Gray
December 3, 2002
I can't believe I will no longer be seeing you working in your beautiful yard or waving on your frequent walks.
No doubt you are in a better place and we are all better for having known you.
May God Bless and keep your family through these difficult times.
Bettie Pounds
December 1, 2002
Debbie, I'm going to miss those conversations we shared. It was so sad and upsetting the way you left so quickly. I know that God must have said it's time for His child to come home. You will be missed dearly. The last thing you said to me that morning Debbie, was "why can't things be like they use to be; simple and pleasant." I know that things are pleasant and simple for you now. I know you are in a better place.
To the family I would like to say may God be with you during your time of sorrow. Some days you will feel like you are on the dark side of the mountain, but in time, the sun will shine again. Always remember, God knows how much we can bear. As Debbie would say, "let God handle it."
Corretta General
November 26, 2002
WITH SPECIAL THOUGHTS OF YOU....
TO THE SLADE-CRAWFORD FAMILY
I EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY IN YOUR GREAT LOSS.
PRAYING THAT THE LORD WILL SURROUND YOU WITH HIS LOVE AND THAT HIS PRESENCE WILL FILL YOU WITH PEACE.
FOR THE LORD THY GOD WILL HOLD THY RIGHT HAND, SAYING UNTO THEE, FEAR NOT. I WILL HELP THEE.
(ISAIAH 41:13)
Rosalind Luke
November 26, 2002
I met Debbie last year when I relocated to Charlotte. Debbie came over to my desk and introduced herself. I was scared to drive on Harris Blvd and one day she said to me "you get in that car and drive girl." When I got used to driving on Harris Blvd I told her and she said "I know you could do It." I will always remember her. She always had a beautiful smile and a kind word. If I had to discribe her to anyone I would say that she was a "virtuous woman". I pray that God give her family the strength to carry one. Debbie when I read this scripture you are the one who comes to mind.
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above rubies.
... She streches out her hand to the distaff,
And her hand holds to the spindle,
She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
...She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
... Her children shall rise up to call he blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.
...But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Proverbs: 31
10-31
Anthony Beauford
November 26, 2002
God Bless the Slade and Crawford Family.
Debbie was a special person that I enjoyed talking with daily. Her bright smile was something that I was accustomed to seeing whenever we came in contact with each other.
I will miss Debbie and the genuine conversations that we had.
Gwen Archer
November 26, 2002
My prayers to the Crawford family. Debra will be missed and her ever shinning smile will be remembered in my heart.
God Bless
Sandra watson
November 26, 2002
When I first met Debra, I told her that God has a purpose in her life. He certainly did. Debbie allowed God to use her in a special way, to leave a hug, give a scripture, give a kiss, someone you can have church with in the office, sometimes we would actually do a praise dance.
She personified the scripture verse "I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in Debbie's mouth.
I am blessed to have met Debbie.
May God continue to bless, strengthen and keep her family.
"Be strong in the Lord and the power of his might"
Joycelyn Bailey
November 25, 2002
I really didn't know Mrs. Crawford but I did see her at Courtney's games. She was a very energetic and supportive mom. My heart goes out to the entire Crawford family. May God bless you each and every day.
Carmen Jimenez
November 25, 2002
May the spirit of the LORD be with the Crawford family today and always. My heartfelt sympathies to her entire family. Debbie was such a pleasant and gracious young lady. I will miss her beautiful smile.
Yolanda Howell
November 25, 2002
To the Slade-Crawford Family
May I express my deepest sympathy in your loss. I relocated from New York to Charlotte a little over a year ago, and met Debra in the job cafeteria while I was getting coffee. We saw each other every morning and I looked forward to seeing her. A beautiful person who was always smiling, and I would see her every day with a kind word on her lips, and a smile in her eyes. A very classy lady, so spiritual, and sure of herself, a real DIVA. May you find comfort to know she touched the hearts and lives of many while here on earth and her spirit remains to guide us. God Bless.
Barbara Starks
November 25, 2002
TO DEB,YOU WAS MY LITTLE GIRL WHEN WE LIVED IN RIVERDALE TOWERS,WHEN I MOVED I REALLY MISSED YOU. THEN YOU WAS WORKING FOR TRANSIT AND THE NEXT THING I KNOW YOU WERE GONE. BUT TO ALWAYS REMAIN IN MY HEART. YOU BLESSED WITH ME SHEILA WHOM I LOVED WITH ALL MY HEART. DEB THIER IS SO MUCH I COULD SAY, BUT YOU ALREADY KNOW. TO THE FAMILY LOVE AND PEACE AND STAY TOGETHER AND IN GODS PEACE.
LOVE ALWAYS BARBARA STARKS & FAMILY
"WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU"
Paulette Green
November 25, 2002
I will always remember your voice, your laugh, your beautiful
smile and your out-going spirit.
We relocated from NYC and worked together. When you left,(CHF) we would occassionally meet unexpected inside a store. You were never in a hurry. We talked and talked about the old and about the new.
I will always remember you.
You will always have a very special place in my heart.
Latisha Hawkins
November 25, 2002
Mrs. Debbie was like everyones second Mom! From the time I meet her she was just so real, and so very funny, but overall very loving.Although I haven't seen her in a while, I will never forget her, she did so much for me when I had my daughter Sierra,and I was so very young at the time but she didn't hold that against me she just told me I could do it and it would be very hard, but to be strong in the Lord and he will see me through, and I will never forget her for that. She was just a wonderful person I will never forget her or her family who were just as loving as well. My heart goes out to the family and my prayers are with you all. God Bless.
Natalie Jones
November 25, 2002
Along with many other students, I was classmates with Courtney for many years. Through those years, you would always feel the love she emitted not only towards her family, but also to her son's friends. She was an amazing woman who loved and always supported her family. My condolences to the family and May God Continually Bless Your Family
Stacy Robinson
November 25, 2002
Although I did not know Mrs. Crawford personally, I can tell from the wonderful job that she has done with her son Courtney that she was a wonderful woman. My sincerest prayers go out to the Crawford family and friends.
Candence Moore
November 24, 2002
All of the Graduates of Harding University High School that attend North Carolina Central University would like to send our condolences to The Crawford family. We all were very sad to hear about the passing of Mrs. Crawford and we would like to let you know that you are in our prayers. God Bless you all.
Rishannon Chisolm
November 23, 2002
I just saw Mrs. Crawford at church not too long ago. I can always remember her smiling and asking my family and I how we were. She was always so proud of Courtney and talked about him all the time. I will miss seeing her at church.
Teresa Randall
November 23, 2002
Although I did not know Deborah personally, I know Tony and the wonderful man that he is. My deepest sympathy to he and the family. Tony, my thoughts and prayers are with you and wish you the best.
Warrena Hankinson
November 23, 2002
It was my pleasure to work with Deb at Randolph Middle School. She had such a positive outlook on life which could only have come from her deep spiritual convictions. My wish is for her family to find comfort in the loving memories of Deb and in the support of family and friends.
Ernest Alexander
November 23, 2002
If I speak out loud about Debbie Crawford, one would swear that I knew her all my life; that's the kind of effect she had on you. Debbie was always true to her word ... to the end; her last words to me on Wednesday was that she only had one last staff review to finish for me. When I checked her PC on Friday, sure enough she made sure she stayed true to her word and finished the review.
I love Debbie like she was my own mom, so I can only imagine the grief that the family is having. Take comfort in the fact that she's in a better place, walking around the streets of gold and greeting GOD with her famed "what's up sweetie?"
My sympathy to the family. We will always love and miss you Debbie.
John Collins
November 23, 2002
God only gives a smile like hers' to special people.
Donna Vrla
November 22, 2002
I had the distinct privilege to have Debra as a friend when we both were enrolled at the Gardner-Webb GOAL program in Charlotte, going back to school as experienced moms and having been out in the workforce. We quickly became good friends, supporting and helping each other through papers and tests. Always with a smile, Debra encouraged me and let me encourage her as we forged through classes together. After not seeing her for a number of years and running into her while out shopping, she immediately knew me, as I did her. Who could forget Debra and that smile? God bless you Tony, and the rest of your family as you try to sort out the days ahead without her there. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she has touched.
Vada Smith
November 22, 2002
Debra and I worked at CHF Industries. That was 1989 through 1991. I always remember talking and joking with Debra. I haven't seen Debra in years but I was deeply saddened by her lost.
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Crawford family.
Gloria Sallard
November 22, 2002
Our prayers are with you and the family. Call Vohn and Gloria Sallard if you need us for any reason.
The Sallard Family
Horace & Reisa Bryan
November 22, 2002
Our condolences to the Crawford family. Debra was a positive force in every life that she touched. Her spirit is now a part of each of us and we know that she is till smiling down on us.
Rhonda Butler
November 22, 2002
May God bless you in your time of bereavement. I met 'Ms. Deb' at the beauty salon. As long as she was there I laughed non-stop. She was a source of wisdom and I always looked forward to seeing her. You are in my prayers.
Antoinette Goodwine
November 22, 2002
Debbie will be greatly missed by so many people. I don't know if she realized how many lives she touched with her kind words and effervescent personality. Debbie had a certain aura about her that was full of fun, yet very intense and spiritual.
Sometimes she would come by my cubicle and whisper something in my ear that either had me torn up with laughter or that made me think about that subject for the rest of the day. One day when I was feeling pretty badly, she came by and said to me "...aren't you glad God's in charge and not Man?" How did she know I needed to hear that?
My sympathy and prayers go out to the Crawford and Slade families, other relatives, friends and co-workers.
What an irreplaceable lady!
Christopher Davis
November 22, 2002
To the family: May Gods hands hold you in this time of greif my prayers are with you.
John Agnese
November 22, 2002
I have known Deb and her family for some time now. I cannot express my sorrow enough and tell you how she did affect all our lives. She was truly an angel on earth and I know that she is definitely with God now. I know that today we have sorrow but we will see her again one day and our hearts will rejoice.
Garnet Evans
November 22, 2002
Let me take this opportunity to express my condolences to Debbie's family. On behalf of my wife (Georgia) and my son (Givonne) Debbie left an imperession on our entire family. She always made me smile every day and I will forever miss her. I must say, Debbie certainly brought faith, joy, and a smile to all the people she came in contact with. I am absolutely sure she left this earth with travelling mercy.
God bless.
Garnet Evans and Family
Joan Kelly, Sharon Williams, Loretha Graham, Wanda Darden
November 22, 2002
We have known Debbie for 29 years and she has always remained the same. Smiling, joking, uplifing and just being a beautiful person. She has touched our lives in so many different ways. We have lost a dear friend, but we feel that we have gained a guardian angel. Our condolences go to the family who will always be in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless them!
Tanecia Lee-Bailey
November 22, 2002
Debbie's transition has effected many in so many different ways that it seems surreal. It was a pleasure to have known and felt her love. I truly believe that I met an Angel on earth. May GOD bless her family.
Ronald Duran
November 22, 2002
I met Debra in 1980 when I was just a co-op student at TIAA. She was always smiling and loving. I did not get to say goodbye to her when she left in 1983. When I came to Charlotte last year, I heard she was working for TIAA again, and thought that she would not remember me. Well I was wrong. She greeted me with open arms and the beautiful smile was still there. In the last few months, I had the priviledge of eating lunch with her. She was always laughing and happy. She loved her husband and children very much and was very proud of them. I love you Deb and am going to miss you and your beautiful smile. May Jehovah god be with the Crawford family in there time of need.
Ernestine Louissaint
November 22, 2002
I have only known Debbie for nine months but for the short time that I have known her she has been an inspiration to me. She alway would
tell me I was sent to her by God, and no matter what she always had a smile and a kind word to say. I will truly miss her, I know she is with God now in glory. My deepest sympathy go out to her family.
Kim Thomas
November 22, 2002
Words cannot express how heartbroken and saddened I am about the loss of my fellow sister in Christ. My heart and love goes out to the entire family and hope they take solace in knowing that Ms. Crawford is with the Lord. I will always love you and remember your words of wisdom and encouragement. Rest in Peace.
Love you,
Kim Thomas
Gale Patterson
November 22, 2002
My fondest memory of her which I'll never forget is the day Debra ministered to me while we were standing in the vending area. She said "Remember God is in control and I'm so glad He is!" and broke into her praise dance right there! She has deeply touched the lives of those she knew and will be missed dearly. My prayers go out to the family during their time of bereavement.
Patrick Halsey
November 22, 2002
I sincerely give the Crawford family my deepest condolences. You come across people in your life that you know are "special". Wherever they go and whatever they do, they always leave a positive imprint or something special behind...not realizing it...and it affects everyone that they come across in a positive way. That is what Debbie was. Whenever I saw her, she always had positive energy and an 'aura of happiness'. I will miss her and her smile tremendously. Even though I didn't know her well, I knew she was a beautiful person. She is in a better place now, smiling her beautiful smile on all of us. May God bless you and your family.
Karen Simpson
November 22, 2002
Debbie Crawford touched many lives in special ways. She wore a smile that radiated straight from her heart. You rarely saw Debbie when she wasn't smiling. I will miss Debbie's smile, her laughter and her friendship.
Rest in peace, Debbie.
Gary Scholder
November 22, 2002
I will always remember Debbie's beautiful smile. When I had my heart attack she always called me at home to see how I was doing. She helped me to keep my spirits up. My deepest condolences to her family.
Fanessa hampton
November 22, 2002
GOD SAID HE NEEDED HIS ANGEL HOME
RIGHT NOW! SHE ALWAYS SAID SHE WAS READY WHEN HE CALLS. I ALWAYS SAID THE OPPOSITE,AND SHE JUST LET IT BE. SHE WAS MY LUNCH PARTNER WHEN WE ATE LUNCH IT WAS LIKE WE WERE ALMOST IN A REVIVAL. YOU JUST WENT BACK TO WORK FEELING WONDERFUL. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE LUNCH ON 11/20/02.SHE PREACHED LIKE IT WAS HER LAST WORD. I BELIVE IT WAS.
Georgette Montgomery
November 22, 2002
My deepest sympathy to the Crawford family. Debbie you will ALWAYS have a SPECIAL (BIG SIS) spot in my heart. I will miss your goodmorning smile and all of your jokes. You will remain a lifetime sister to me. I will NEVER forget the last scripture we discussed from the Daily Bread on November 20, 2002. I'm holding on to the CPCC catalogue you asked me to pick up for you on November 19, 2002. I will continue to read that SPECIAL book you gave me GOD'S LITTLE LESSONS FOR WOMEN. I LOVE YOU SIS :)
Kia Thacker
November 22, 2002
I have only known Mrs. Crawford for three years. She was always the "fun mom" at the football and basketball games, laughing and dancing. She made everyone that was around her laugh and very happy. Her positive spirit was a blessing to all. God truly has a very special angel. She will be missed. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Deborah A'Engelhill
November 22, 2002
I've known Debra for 23 years. We met at TIAA CREF. When she returned to TIAA CREF it was like a reunion. I ate lunch with Debra almost every day and she always brought such blessings to all of us. She touched our lives and left us with so much to be thankful for and if you did not know this, Debra showed us the way. She will be greatly missed and I know she is still watching over us with her words and spirit that she left us with. We loved her and I will always remember I knew an angel because that is what she was to me.
Kaysher Samuel
November 22, 2002
When I think of Debbie, I remember warm hugs, a beautiful smile and the way she made you feel good when you were in her presence. She opened her heart and home to all without reservation. Deb was a gem that will truly be missed.
Anastasia Solomon
November 22, 2002
For the very short time I have known Debbie, she always had a smile and something very inspirational to say. I think that Debbie possessed the greatest gift any human being can have and that was being a people's person. Debbie will be missed greatly.
Valerie Daye, TIAA-CREF
November 22, 2002
Heaven has been blessed with another angel! I can just imagine Debbie, smiling, so happy to be with her mom again; greeting all the other angels around her. While she will be missed, she's in a beautiful place!
Crystal Brantley
November 22, 2002
Debbie and I had lunch on many occasions. Each lunch hour was a learning experience. Our converstions were always about God and family. She is truly an Angel!
Sandra Morris
November 22, 2002
Always a friendly face and warm heart. I know that you and God are talking and laughing. May he keep your family close.
Sandra Morris
Catherine Williams
November 22, 2002
Deb was truly an angle you could always depend on her to lift your spirits with her beautiful smile and spiritual words. I will truly miss my Girl Deb.
Love to her family
Cathy,
Peggy Pope
November 22, 2002
I can't count the number of times I ran into Debbie here at work, but I do know that EVERY time I passed her she gave me a cheerful greeting and had that great, big smile. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by many, many people. May her family be comforted knowing that she truly brightened the day for so many of us at TIAA.
Lorraine Dorner
November 22, 2002
Debbie touched my heart like no one ever will. She was an angel sent to us and will forever be missed by all. I love you Debbie rest in peace.
keith thomas
November 22, 2002
I've had the pleasure of working under Debbie's supervision when I relocated to Charlotte less than two years ago. She was an outstanding, and compassionate person with and uplifting spirit. I am truly thankful to have known her and for the help she provided for my family and I outside of the work-place.
I wish all the best to her family. May God bless and keep you to carry-on.
Ronnie Nelson
November 22, 2002
Tears may flow without much advance warning. But, be patient with yourself and do not feel that you have to hold back the tears. Remember, they are a natural and necessary part of grieving. Debbie was a wonderful person, always had a smile and a very kind hearted Person. I have known Debbie from the very first time she came to TIAA, and when she left, I would always ask how she was doing by her sister. Debbie will be remembered by many. But, remember. No matter how much we love another person, we cannot control life, nor can we prevent time and unforeseen occurrence from befalling those we love.
DARHYL & DEBORAH PULLEY
November 22, 2002
DEBRA, WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS THE HURT WE FEEL, OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY.OUR FUN MEMORIES WILL LAST FOREVER. GOD NEVER MAKES A MISTAKE, YOU'RE TRULY AN ANGEL!
Cathy Ivey Brady
November 22, 2002
My deepest sympathy to Debbie's family and friends.
I love you Debbie and I will miss you everyday.
My comfort comes from knowing that you are with God.
Rest in Peace.
Glenys Colclough
November 22, 2002
I met Debra last year at Tiaa-Cref. It wasn't long, but long enough to know how special she was. She always had a beautiful smile full of energy and light to share, you couldn't help but catch it. That's how I will remember her. She always passed that smile on. She will be missed.
Deborah McKinney
November 22, 2002
Debra always made it her business every day to stop by my desk to say hello. She always had a smile on her face and love in her heart.
Kim Crawford
November 22, 2002
I've only known Debbie for 19 months. We've grown very close. She has been like a big sis to me. On November 18, 2002 I closed on my first home that she "pushed" me to get. She told me, "I had been an important part in her life, in helping her through some tough times. If it's the last and only thing she could do for me, she is going to get me and my babies in a new home this year. She told me to invite her over to do her little dance on my drive way, as a celebration". She called me Wednesday morning, and was so excited, you would have thought it was HER first home. I love Debbie so much, she meant a lot to me, and to say I'll miss her is an understatement. I am so sorry for the Crawford family loss, it truly is a big loss. I pray for your strength to make it through. May the happiness that was in Debbie reside in you.
Love
Kim Crawford
Darlene Hartsell
November 22, 2002
Debbie was a beautiful person. What I admired most was her willingness to accept people...just as they were. I will miss our talks about the Lord and how He's working in our lives. I Praise Him because I know she's In His Presence.
Lisa Parker-Carter
November 22, 2002
Debbie,
You will be greatly missed by all. I know that you are dancing and rejoicing in the name of the Lord. Your smile has brought warmth and joy to all. Debbie, remember when we would see each other coming and going. You that thought it must be a blessing and we figured out that it was a blessing. REST IN PEACE.
Lisa
Kathy Broughton
November 22, 2002
Debbie was a wonderful and beautiful person. Always with a big beautiful smile and a kind word for all. I will miss you deeply, but I know that you are in a better place than we are. God Bless you!!
Barbara Lewis
November 22, 2002
I had the pleasure of working with Debby in New York and in Charlotte. She was delightful and always had uplifting words for both me and my twin sister. She was a wonderful person and I am so grateful I had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be missed by all.
Rosalie Lewis
November 22, 2002
I didn't know Debbie very well, but will always remember her great smile and "hi darlin" whenever we ran into each other at work. She touched everyone she came in contact with and will surely be missed. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Priscilla Clinkscale
November 22, 2002
Debra was my Angle. She was spirited;warm;cheerful;pleasant and over all a beautiful person. I am happy that she is at Peace. Her spirit will always be a part of my life. I would like to send my Love to the family.
"Girl" I will MISS YOU"
Love Priscilla
Robin Smart
November 22, 2002
What can I say. I loved her and I am going to try to be a better person. She would always tell me don't worry, God will handle it. I will miss her but I will never forget her. The sista hood will miss a great sista. I Love you Deb.
Maya McDoom
November 22, 2002
Mrs. Crawford was a wonderful woman. She was always pleasant and nice to everyone. She will be truely missed. RIP...God Bless the Crawford family
Linda Byrnes
November 22, 2002
You could always count on Deb to greet you with a smile on her face and love in her heart. You felt it completely. She was a wonderful friend, so spiritual, an angel. She always talked to me about her husband and children. She loved them dearly. She will definitely be missed by all.
Eddie Auton
November 22, 2002
Fellow Employee at TIAA-CREF.
Jackie Wilson
November 22, 2002
Debra was a wonderful woman.She would give you anything you needed and was always willing to listen. She treated me as a daughter and gave me great advice. I will truly miss the long talks,warm hugs and sincere friendship we had. She was just like a mom to me. I am glad she came into my life.
VICKIE PATTERSON
November 22, 2002
I AM SO THANKFUL I MET MET DEBRA. SHE WAS A BRIGHT STAR AT WORK AND SHE ALWAYS HAD A COMPLIMENT OR A NICE WORD TO SAY. I MISS HER SO VERY MUCH.
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