Alma Jean Crawford

December 21, 1938 - June 2, 2018

Ruth 3:11 “......... for everyone in the city knows that you are an excellent woman. “ Alma Jean Crawford was born on December 21, 1938, in Port Gibson, Mississippi to Johnnie Alma Killingsworth. Her mother died at 25 and Alma was raised by her aunt Sarah Killingsworth in Chicago, Illinois who she lovingly referred to as Auntie. After graduating from Englewood High School she met and married Benjiman Crawford in 1957 and to that union two children were born Norma and Benjiman Jr. She loved being a mom and grandmother. Alma studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses and after making the truth her own she dedicated her life to Jehovah and symbolized her dedication through water baptism on July 23, 1953. Her love of Jehovah and the ministry led her to auxiliary pioneer as often as she could. She had the privilege of regular pioneering and attending pioneer school. Alma was a student of the Bible she enjoyed the deep things of God’s word. Alma had a listening ear and a giving heart. She made herself available to everyone in the congregation whether it meant going over the day’s text, refining a talk or just listening she was ready to help. But her greatest gift was her insight into people and her ability to help them use the Bible to ease their worries. That million dollar smile of Alma’s made you relax and know she was your friend, your family but mostly someone who loved you from her heart. Anyone who knew Alma knew her gatherings were unforgettable. If you came for the food you were not disappointed with her black eyed pea casserole, banana cream pie, pound cakes and homemade ice cream just to name a few. Then there were the theme’s, always Bible based with a theocratic twist; fashion shows, square dances and bunny hops, no matter the theme you learned something about Jehovah. Alma loved Jehovah with her whole heart. Her warmth, her caring, her kindness and her knowledge but mostly her love, will be dearly missed by her children Norma (Marvin) Madkins and Benjiman Crawford Jr.; sister Theora Horne; grandchildren Tameka Rawls, Brandon Downs, Collette (Mario) Richards and Benay Crawford; foster grandson Tyrice (Tracey) Bassette; great grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends too numerous to mention.