Shirley Crawford

Miss Shirley Crawford was born on April 20, 1956, in Charlotte, North Carolina to Georgianna Grawford. She attended Charlotte-Mecklenburg High Schools and proudly graduated from East Mecklenburg High School. Continuing her passion for learning and caring for others, Shirley obtained her Associate degree from Central Piedmont Community College in Early Childhood Development. She later worked as an afterschool teacher, where she lovingly helped guide and nurture children in their early years.

Shirley also dedicated 38 years of faithful service to Mercy Hospital, now Atrium Health Mercy, before retiring.

Shirley was truly a bright light wherever she went. Her warm spirit, kind heart, and willingness to serve touched countless lives. She was a devoted and lifelong member of Ben Salem Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she faithfully served as a deaconess and longtime choir member. Shirley was known for rarely saying “no” when help was needed, especially when it came to serving her church family and community. Her loving hands and caring heart left lasting footprints throughout the church and in the lives of everyone blessed to know her.

Much of Shirley’s kindness was shown quietly, through both seen and unseen acts of love. She carried the burdens of others with grave and gave herself selflessly. Though our hearts wished for more time with her here on earth, Heaven called her home.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory and mourn her passing; her brother, Robert ; her sisters, Janice Moss and Gaynell Walton; her step-sister, Lily Ledbetter; a host of loving nieces and nephews; her two great-nieces, Aaliyah Moss and Madison Johnson; and her believed godchildren, Tiffany Jones, Kanisha Jones, Van Jones Jr, and Jordyn Jones.

The loss of Shirley came as an unexpected sorrow, her presence will be deeply missed not only by her family, but also by the many lives she touched along the way. Her love, kindness, faith, and gentle spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all who loved, respected, and cared for Shirley throughout her life.

Her spirit will live on in every shared story, every echo of laughter, and every act of love inspired by her example. We will forever carry her in out hearts.