Mary Crawford

Mary Elizabeth Crawford arrived in this life January 9, 1936 and departed to glory on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at the Phillips House at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. She was one of twenty children born to the late Wilson and Vonnie Smith in Ludowisi, Georgia.

Upon moving to Jesup Georgia, Mary attended Jesup Public Schools and was a member of The Church of God and Christ. In the late 1950's Mary met her late husband, Robert J. Crawford of Archer, Florida while he was stationed at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, Georgia. After his honorable discharge from the United States Army, Robert and Mary were united in Holy Matrimony and made their home in Cambridge, MA, moving several years later to Dorchester, MA. 

Mary was employed at Joseph Pollack Corporation from August 27, 1973, until her retirement on March 3, 2000. 

Mary loved to take family trips to her home state of Georgia, as well as to her late husband's home state of Florida to visit her parents, children, relatives, and in-laws. Family was important to Mary. She and her husband would always house relatives who, like them, wanted to migrate north to Massachusetts.  

Mary was the most "gifted cook." It was a joy to watch her load up her kitchen with groceries and "cook up a storm," especially during the holidays. She made candy yams that would “melt in your mouth!” Mary also loved to host family cookouts during the summer months. She invited family and friends, to her home to enjoy her authentic southern cuisine. She was blessed with the ability to make all foods taste amazing!

Mary was also best known for her "southern twang." After years of living in Massachusetts, she maintained her southern accent and would inform anyone who inquired about the “characteristics of her speech” that her accent was here to stay, and will last a lifetime. Mary was very proud of her southern roots and upbringing.  Mary also had a knack for making people laugh without trying. She had a great sense of humor, was a delight to be around, was always extremely uplifting, and had a smile that would brighten anyone’s day. 

Mary was an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother and had a generous spirit. She always prayed the very best for her children, and was instrumental in helping them reach their goals. Mary also wanted the best for her grandchildren. She loved her grandchildren, and they loved her! Mary was a blessing and support to all that knew her. She was a very wise woman, and did not mind sharing her motherly advice and wisdom with both young and old. 

Mary is survived by her daughters, Debra Ann Towns of Reedsville, GA, Mary L. Gray, Kim Crawford, and Robin E. Crawford all of Boston, MA, 4 sisters: Easter Lee Perry, Ida Mae Kimble and Voncile Smith, all of Jesup, GA and Earleen Wigfall of Boston, MA; 6 brothers: Carroll Hines of New Jersey, Bernard Smith of New York, Herman Smith and David E. Smith of Jesup, GA,  Don Smith and Paul Albert Smith of Atlanta, GA., 1 sister-in-law: Audrey Crawford of Archer, FL, 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.