Donna Faye Murphy Crawford's Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Donna Faye Murphy-Crawford announces her passing on April 16, 2025 at Tacoma General Hospital. Donna has gone on to join other family members in heaven.
While her parents, Lola and Dero Murphy, were stationed with the US Army in Munich, Germany, Donna was born on February 8th 1954. After returning to the United States the family was ultimately stationed at Fort Lewis (now Joint Base Lewis-McChord) where “the Murphys” became a part of the growing number of African American military families with ties to the deep south; both parents were originally from Louisiana.
Donna, along with her 6 siblings, lived on Fort Lewis until her father’s retirement. Upon retirement the family transitioned to Lakewood, WA where Donna attended grade school, middle school and graduated from Lakes High School class of 1972. Donna met Willie E. Crawford Jr. when she attended Jason Lee Junior High School for a short time and they continued to date through high school eventually marrying and having three children; Deitra, Willie III, and Jason.
After high school she attended college at both Western Washington University and the University of Washington. She began a 25-year career with Pacific Northwest Bell, eventually retiring from Qwest Communications retiring as a Manager.
Donna achieved many pursuits. She was an exceptional student and was a competitive athlete. She was a great card player and would let you know loudly when she ran a “Boston” in Bid Whist. She loved listening to music, reading and watching mysteries and meeting new people. Later in life, Donna loved game shows like the Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and more recently Bingo. More than anything, Donna had the gift of gab and could make anyone feel comfortable with her great stories, jokes and love of life. She was a real social butterfly who enjoyed the company of others.
In 2012 Donna was diagnosed with Colon Cancer and with treatment was successfully treated for the disease. She was so grateful for her life after her cancer treatment and lived it to the fullest. In late March 2025 Donna fell ill and was later diagnosed with a late-stage cancer. She passed away on April 16th 2025 peacefully with family surrounding her.
Donna is preceded in death by her parents Lola and Dero Murphy; sisters Annie Blackwell (Sonny) and Ivy Murphy and her brother William Murphy (Carmen). She leaves behind her husband of over 40 years Willie Crawford Jr, daughter Deitra (Darrell), sons Willie III (Christina) and Jason (Tara); and her beloved grandchildren.
She also leaves behind her brothers Ron Murphy (Sylvia), Michael Murphy (Debbie), Sister Dorothea Murphy; Sister-in-Law Carmen Murphy and Brother-in-Law James (Sonny) Blackwell as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and very close extended family and friends.
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