Della Claria Crawford, affectionately known as "Big Mama" departed this earth on Saturday, May 24, 2008 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family. Della was born July 9, 1906 in Wadesboro, NC.
She was the wife of the late Willie B. Dudley and from this union two children were born who also preceded her in death, Kleander L. Patterson and Ethel B. Odom. She later married Mike Crawford.
She is survived by her grandchildren, Linda Perry, Joyce Cousin, Debra (Anthony) Richardson, Akill Mahoob, Angela Patterson and Willie Patterson; ten great-grandchildren; twenty-six great-great-grandchildren; three great-great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Evelyn Leake; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1pm Wednesday, May 28, 2008 from the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12:30pm until 1pm on Wednesday at the Chapel