Minnie Elizabeth Crawford

Minnie Elizabeth Crawford April 15, 1908 - March 27, 2007 Minnie Elizabeth Crawford passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Chapel Hill Memorial Park with Rev. Brad Herridge officiating. There will be no formal visitation. Minnie was born on April 15, 1908 to pioneer parents, Thomas Whiteside and Rose Etta Giles Crow in a two-room log cabin on the Bodcau Bayou near Sarepta, LA. She was the first born followed by two brothers and a sister, all preceding her in death. Minnie’s family moved often to follow her father’s work contracting to furnish virgin pine crossties for the railroad. When it came time for Minnie to begin school, the family moved back home and her father bought a saw mill that sawed timbers to build oil drilling derricks. He continued this business until Minnie completed school. During summer vacations, Minnie visited her Aunt Betty in Hope, Arkansas and Aunt Kate in Waco, Texas. At the age of twelve, Minnie was baptized by Brother Bower at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco. Minnie was a currently a member of Bosqueville Baptist Church in which she was the oldest member of the congregation. Minnie made her home in Waco beginning in July, 1926 when she enrolled at Tobby Business College. Throughout the years, Minnie worked for the Texas Long Distance Telephone Company, Tom Padgitt Company when it was a leather goods business, the Chamber of Commerce, the State Highway Dept., Berkman & Wood, various insurance agencies and Cannon and Griffis. Upon retirement, Minnie was actively involved in volunteer work including the AARP Tax Aid Program and Mrs. Bush’s Literacy program. Minnie was married to E. L. Crawford on December 3, 1946 who preceded her in death on April 16, 1973. Having no children of her own, her husband’s daughter, JoAnn Crawford Bolfing Mangrum, has been a cherished part of her life. Throughout the course of Minnie’s 98 years, she has seen many changes in life styles, history and industry to name a few. Minnie was never afraid to live life to its fullest. Minnie is survived by her step-daughter, JoAnn Mangrum and husband, Sam Mangrum; grandson, Sidney Bolfing and wife, Darlene; granddaughter, Darla Skolrood; great-grandchildren, Kristin, Jason, and Ricky; great-great-grandson, Austin; nieces, Betty Anderson and Betty Carson of Louisiana and cousin, Billy Stanton of Nova Scotia. The family wishes to express sincerest appreciation to the Bluebonnet Hospice and to Minnie’s wonderful caregivers, Martha Farmer and Jerri Mazza. In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to Bluebonnet Hospice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey