Frances A. Crawford

Frances Aleathea Crawford, was born December 25, 1931, in Wilmington, Delaware, to the late George Hovington and Edith Hovington Russ. She departed this life at her residence, on December 20, 2020. She was the youngest of seven siblings, all of whom preceded her in death. Frances received her education in Delaware and attended Howard High School, in Wilmington, Delaware. While enrolled in Howard High, she received a music scholarship for her beautiful singing voice. She attended several sessions in the scholarship program and later returned to Dover, Delaware, and graduated from the first class of James H. Groves High School. Later she received training to become a Nurse’s Aide and earned a certificate of course completion. Frances then worked at the Smyrna Welfare Home for several years, as a Nurse’s Aide until she was employed at Booker T. Washington Elementary School as a Teacher’s Aide. However, due to a career opportunity, Frances left the school system and began her tenured employment with Kraft (General Foods). This company proved to be a fit for Frances, and after serving 25 years, she retired in 1996. Frances spent her retirement years devoted to her family and friends whom she loved immensely. Everyone who knew Frances, knew that she loved the Lord and loved to sing His praises. She was a member of Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, in Dover, Delaware. Frances had an angelic voice that she used for God’s glory. Throughout her life, Frances had been requested to sing many solos and participated in many choirs such as the Mount Zion AME Quintet, the Chocolate Supremes and the United Women’s Ensemble. Her favorite hymn was, If I Can Help Somebody, and that was her motto throughout her life. Although Frances had a beautiful singing voice, she was always very humble with her gift; never one to boast, she realized that her singing talent was a gift from God. The one thing that Frances loved to brag about and what gave her the greatest joy, was her children and grandchildren. Frances was preceded in death by five brothers, William Hovington, Anderson Hovington, Hasting Hovington, Mitchell Hovington and Knowles Hovington; one sister, Edith Bethel; and two children, Barry M. Crawford and Iona M. Crawford. Frances leaves to cherish her memory, four sons, William C. Crawford, III, (Rose), Gary M. Crawford, Sr. (Lil), Allen J. Ward, Jr. and Nathan Ward all of Dover, DE; two daughters, Antoinette Franklin (Dan) of Valdosta, GA, and Barbara Miller (Michael) of Smyrna, DE; 25 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; six nieces, Shereatha Baines (Tyrone), Carol Dennis (Sam), Mabel Warren (Gary), Audrey Hovington, Gwenevere Griffin and Joyce Ryder; three nephews, Ronnie Hovington (Jane), Francis Bethel, Jr. (Debbie) and Richard Hovington (Lois); one daughter-in-law, Cheryl Crawford; and a host of great nieces, nephews and friends.

Frances A. Crawford

December 25, 1931 - December 20, 2020