Our mother, our friend, our everything was picked out of the beautiful rose garden from which she blossomed. Cora Darby went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 5, 2011 following a period of illness. She was born in Monroe-Union County, NC on January 5, 1944. She moved to Winston-Salem, NC at a young age and was a graduate of the WS/FCS System. She was employed as an in-home caregiver, a former employee of the Department of Social Services, and she was also a foster mother.
Our "Original Madea" will truly be missed by all. She was one of a kind.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Willie Darby; a son, Stephon Crawford; a daughter, Pamela Cohen; her mother, Birdell Ritter; three sisters, Laura Ann Huff, Alice Duncan, and Ruby Shuler.
Surviving to cherish her memory are her children, Suevary Crawford, Annie Crawford (Neil), Sonetta Adams (Turner Davis), Tamika Gentry, Shanya Massey (George), Kimberly Frazier, Charles Conrad, Kevin Gary (Debbie), Steve and Keri Couthen; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two devoted grandkids, Stephon L. Crawford and Crystal Crawford; a niece and nephew, Dora Ann and George Crawford; two devoted friends, Debra Wynn and Sydney Harry; and a host of other relatives and friends.
She will always be in our hearts and memories forever. "We love you mama!"
Funeral services will be held at 1pm Friday, June 10, 2011 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Daniel McManus officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1pm on Friday at the funeral home.