Denise Crippen

1953 - 2014

Denise A. Crippen

Wattsville, VA-Denise Anita Crippen was born on September 6, 1953 in Accomack County, VA to the late Ernest and Geneva Downing. She departed this life on October 5, 2014, comforted by her husband, after a 20-year bout with cancer. Denise was educated in the Accomack County School System and began dating her soon-to-be husband, Charles William Crippen, Jr., in the 10th grade. The two were united in holy matrimony on August 6, 1971, right after graduating from high school. From this fruitful union, two children were produced: Deverick and Charles III.

At an early age, she gave her life to the Lord Jesus Christ at First Baptist Church of Mappsville, where she remained a faithful member all of her life. As a woman of God, she made sure that her two boys attended church and Sunday school regularly. With a sweet spirit Denise always instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of education, hard work, diligence, and the pursuit of high goals. She was always willing to provide meaningful advice and encouragement to her family and friends. She was an excellent cook and was always willing to share with anyone who visited. Denise loved to make art and craftwork, which she displayed in her home. She also loved gardening and reading.

Denise began work at Snow Hill High School as a librarian aide, in 1973. From 1975 through 2014, she worked as an administrative assistant with various NASA contractor companies, the most recent being Orbital Sciences Corporation.

Denise will be remembered by all who knew her for her kind and gentle spirit that never raised her voice and always had a warm smile. She was friendly to everyone, easy to get along with, and never said an unkind word to anyone. She was an intelligent and dutiful woman. All who knew her, recognized that she was organized, diligent, and very hardworking. She was an excellent host to those who entered her home, a truly beautiful woman who radiated a spirit of love, peace, and compassion to all.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Geneva Downing, her sister Gwendolyn Strand, her aunt Carrie Watts, and two uncles: Herbert Downing and Dorsey Downing.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband of 43 years, Charles Crippen, Jr. of Wattsville, VA, who was there with her to the end; two sons, Deverick (Lorraine) Crippen of Salisbury, MD, Charles III (Larnita) Crippen of Dover, DE; a nephew, Deitrick Keith (Janessa) Downing of Greenbush, VA, and a niece, Kia Strand of Horntown, VA; a brother-in-law, Melvin Strand of Accomac, VA, six grandchildren; Breshell, Deshondre, Charise, Dorian, Kayla, and Charles IV; three aunts: Essie Johnson and Mary Young, both of Philadelphia, PA and Resia Downing of Modestown, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday at 12:30 from First Baptist Church, Mappsville. Family and friends may call on Saturday from 6-8 at Cooper & Humbles Funeral Co., Accomac.