Bishop Napoleon Lee Crowell Jr., affectionately known to his family as "Bishop", "Pastor", "Father" and "Uncle Cripp", departed this life on Wednesday, November 21, 2018, at the age of 69 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on March 6, 1949, and was a product of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System, graduating from Carver High School in 1968. He was employed for 35 years as a steel technician at Brenner Steel Company. Throughout his life he exemplified what a true man of faith was supposed to be. He truly loved the Lord and ensured that his children were raised in a Godly fashion. He even went on to establish Burning Flame Christian Church in 1982. In May 2009 he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical Studies from Winston-Salem Bible College.

Bishop Napoleon Lee Crowell Jr. was first ordained in 1971 as an Associate Minister at Spencer Memorial Christian Church in Winston-Salem, NC, and then went on to pastor at First Congregational Christian Church in Mount Pleasant, NC. He obeyed the calling of the Lord to establish his own church, so on June 22, 1982, Pastor Crowell stepped out on faith and established Burning Flame Christian Church along with his First Lady Patricia Crowell and seven members. His goal was to touch the untouchable and reach the unreachable with the gospel of Jesus Christ. His preferred impacting scripture was 2 Corinthians 10:4: "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal or fleshly, but it is mighty through the pulling down of strongholds." A scripture of his unyielding faith and security lied in Psalm 91:1-2: "Whosoever dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the almighty. I will say of the Lord, my refuge, my fortress, My God in whom I trust."

His vision of bringing those closer to God and determination to touch the community resulted in the purchase of almost two acres of land located on Old Rural Hall Road and construction of what has now became Burning Flame Christian Church and Living Center, established in 1998. For the past 20 years, Bishop Crowell has poured his spirit filled heart into creating a body of believers who "go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20.

His labor on earth did not go unnoticed. On June 22, 2008, he was ordained as a Bishop by Apostle Larry Brown, and on March 4, 2017, Bishop Crowell was honored by his family and friends for his years of service in the ministry, where he was recognized for his legacy and impact on others in the teaching of God's word.

On this day, we come again to celebrate the Legacy of Bishop Napoleon Lee Crowell Jr. He was a living testimony serving as a trailblazer and visionary while preaching and teaching thousands. His dedication to the Kingdom of God was apparent to all who knew him and it was his desire that we unite in faith.

"For his soul is with the Lord; who had given him this assurance and called him from his labor to rest. We that have this faith." 2 Corinthians 5:8

"Pursue and press toward the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ and live by the Bible and present our life as a disciple shall be inherited eternal life." Philippians 3:14

"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump. For the trumpet will sound, the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1 Corinthians 15:52

He was blessed to have met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Brown, 56 years ago, and they were joined in holy matrimony on August 30, 1969.

He was preceded in death by his father, Napoleon Lee Crowell, Sr.; and his mother, Mary Alice Yokley Crowell formerly of Winston-Salem, NC

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; their six children, Napoleon L. Crowell, III (Jocelyn), Valarie T. Crowell, Romulus L. Crowell, Germane L. Crowell, Sr. (Benita), Angelo D. Crowell (Kimberly), and Juwon A. Crowell (Yasmine); twenty grandchildren, Napoleon P. Arnold (Brittany), Joshua D. Sims-Crowell, Jr., DeNea L. Crowell, Myracle A. Stevenson, Essence I. Crowell, Jalen Day, Matthew P. Stevenson, Tori Brown, Robert Brown, Jr., Germane L. Crowell, Jr., Micah L. Crowell, Isaiah Crowell, Faith N. Crowell, Judah Crowell, Josiah D. Crowell, Harmoni N. Crowell, Kendall G. Crowell, Sereniti I. Crowell, Austin L. Crowell, and Roial A. Crowell; five great-grandchildren, Kyhlyn'Ra King, Zander Crowell, Greyson Crowell, Nia Arnold, and Joshua D. Crowell, Jr.; he also leaves to mourn his passing three sisters, Barbara Brinkley, Anita Rice (Glasco), and Veronica Hughes; four brothers, James Crowell, Wayne Crowell (Tonette), Christopher Crowell (Monica), and Ricky Crowell (Shanika); four sisters-in- law, Sandra K. Brown (Larry), Deborah Bonaparte, Vernestine Bynum, and Marion Johnson (Alvin); three brothers-in- law, Charlie L. Brown (Gloria), Reginald Brown, and John Brown; a father-in-law, Charlie L. Brown Sr.; an uncle, Benjamin Gray (Carolyn); and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Friday, November 30, 2018 at Burning Flame Christian Church, 4935 Old Rural Hall Road Winston-Salem, NC 27105.  The family visitation will be held from 10:00am until 12noon on Friday at the Church.