Nell Crowder

Martha Nell Crowder, 95, of Lubbock, Texas passed away April 23, 2024. Nell was born May 2, 1928, in Goree, TX to Asa F Williamson and Ara B Williamson.
Nell grew up on a cotton farm in Hurlwood, TX, near Lubbock's Reese Airforce Base, and attended Frenship High School where she was the captain of the women's basketball team among many accolades. She attended church and school with Buddy Holly and even dated his brother Larry. After initial studies at Texas Tech, she was married for many years to Bill Crowder with whom she gave birth to four children. Nell's primary career was in banking with the most years spent at Briercroft Savings and Loan (now BBVA USA). Becoming a single mom in 1973, she often added weekend jobs as a clothing model in TV commercials for local dress shops, and as a hostess at Gridiron and Furr's Cafeteria. Her inner and outer beauty, sunny personality, and strong work ethic always opened doors to serve on teams at local businesses whenever she wanted to do more.
Loved ones include sons Mike Crowder, Patrick Crowder, and David Crowder and her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by daughter Marsha Lynn Crowder, parents Asa Williamson and Ara Williamson, and brothers Jack Williamson and Rev. Bob Williamson.
Nell exemplified and passed along to her family many life-giving qualities and patterns. She lived her life faithfully, taking in God's Word via Christian programming, with anticipation of a life-after through Christ, but she was also faithful to whatever was in front of her in this life. She was conscientious, hard-working, determined, stable, hope-filled, and resilient. She was very detail minded, careful and diligent in all she did. She was driven to stay healthy, fit, and fashionable throughout her life. In private she had a naturally self-contained, independent, and cautious side, but in public her love for people stretched her to also reveal her friendly, kind, and tender side. She made people feel welcomed, loved, and lifted. She was a consummate people watcher who esteemed others and could perceive the pearl of beauty inside every person she met. Her family and the many others served in her public-facing career were changed by her life. They caught the kindness, resilience, determination, initiative, faith, hope, and love, and continue to pass it on.
Visitation with family and friends will be at Sanders Funeral Home in Lubbock on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 1:00 PM. A celebration of her life will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Sanders Memorial Chapel with her son Pastor Patrick Crowder officiating. Graveside services will follow in City of Lubbock Cemetery. Celebrate the life of Nell by visiting www.sandersfuneralhome.com where a webcast of services will be available as well as an online guest book. Memorials can go to: Healthy Pastors and Leaders, www.healthypastors.net/give