Ella Mae Crawford

Birth date: Sep 8, 1931 Death date: Jul 28, 2013

Ella Mae Crawford, of Tacoma, WA passed away peacefully on July 28, 2013 after experiencing a debilitating illness. She was born Ella Mae Rainey on September 8, 1931 in Coffeyville, Kansas to Willetta Cartwright and Robert Rainey. Read Obituary

Wall Obituary Events Media

Loretta Johnson

455w ago

I was a friend of Mrs. Crawford's son, Willie Jr. at the University of Washington in Seattle during the turbulent 70's. She was a kind and gracious (though hesitant and suspiciois) hostess to me, a National Merit scholarship student from Mississippi who had the great good fortune to broaden my horizons in the Pacific Northwest. She often chided me for my unabashed adoration of her son, along with my inappropriate clothing. It is amazing to me that my chosen profession of city planner mirrors that of her own..a passion to ensure safe, healthy, and affordable housing for urban dwellers. What a surprise! I am saddened to hear (though late) of her demise. I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to her son, Willie Jr., and his family. I cherish the memories of those long ago, but not forgotten, times.

Andre` Stevens-Thomas

636w ago

I remember when I first came to Tacoma, Washington in early 1990, I was introduced to Madame Crawford by Lawrence Bennett and I was immediately welcomed with open arms. I knew that she was something special. So many memories are in my head of going to church with her, eating seafood and having very intelligent conversations every times we met. Education was first in her life and she was able to deliver a speech like no other person I know. Through the years we
continued to have wonderful conversations on the telephone and I truly will miss her guidance, the warm smile and gentle spirit. It will forever stay with me. Thank you Madame Crawford for all the love that you have given me.

Judie Fortier

637w ago

THANK YOU ELLA MAE FOR ALL YOU DID FOR ME. ALWAYS SUPPORTING MY WORK AT THE CITY AND SHARING YOUR WISDOM. I WAS OUT OF TOWN AND MISSED THE FUNERAL, MY SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY. JUDIE FORTIER

Jake Fey

638w ago

I read with regret the passing of Ella Mae Crawford. I met Ella when I moved to Tacoma in 1980 when she served on the Public Utility Board. I very enjoyed my friendship with Ella and she was an unabashed supporter of my service as an elected official. Occasionally Ella would call me up with a concern about my colleagues and commiserated with me about their decisions. I loved stopping by and visiting with Ella to talk about politics and she was always helpful in suggesting who I should talk to and was glad to put up a sign for me. I will very much miss those phone calls and visits. I will honor my friend, Ella Mae Crawford, with a donation to the scholarship fund.

State Representative Jake Fey

James Thomason

638w ago

I WILL MISS YOU, MY FRIEND. IT WAS ALWAYS A DELIGHT WHEN JOEL AND I WOULD SEE YOU AT SERVICES. YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A SOURCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT IN OUR CAREER AS FUNERAL DIRECTORS
SERVING THE TACOMA COMMUNITY. YOU WERE SO PROUD OF US AND WOULD
ALWAYS LET US KNOW EVERY TIME YOU SAW US WORKING TOGETHER.
THE TACOMA COMMUNITY HAS LOST A GREAT LEADER, HEAVEN HAS WELCOMED
A COURAGEOUS SOLDIER, AND YOU HAVE RECEIVED A GLORIOUS CROWN.
WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.

YOUR FRIENDS AT MT. VIEW
JOEL AND JAMES

Gwen Sailer

638w ago

I consider Ella a mentor and friend as well as a co-worker for many years at Bates. She was knowledgeable, smart, and very practical. I especially appreciated her loyalty and perseverance as her physical mobility became more impaired. There are many memories, but it is the effect of her presence that I'll remember most. You are blessed to be her family. Gwen Sailer, retired Bates Technical College

Ken Upton

638w ago

I was saddened by the passing of my friend, Ella Mae. As I attended her services my mind drifted back to the memories of our time at Lincoln High school when we sang together in that wonderful choir. Ella was a superb soprano soloist and was always featured in our performances. Her singing of "Ave Maria", with that angelic voice was beautiful and was included in many concerts as an encore selection. We kept in touch over the years as I followed her public achievements in the local media and was prouid of her many accompllishments. It was a priviledge and honor to have known her as she was a special lady and friend who'll be missed by all of us who knew and loved her.

Ken Upton

Sandy Mazzei

638w ago

Ella Mae Crawford was a very capable lady and a treasure of the education community. I always appreciated her kindness and her thoughtfulness. My condolences to the family.

Sandy Mazzei, former Administrator for Secondary Education, Tacoma Schools.

Cynthia Fedrick

638w ago

Ella will never be forgotten. She fought for me to get back to Spelman in 1991 and with her help, I finished that degree. I will always be grateful to her...rest in peace Ella. Job well done!

Elnora Cunningham

638w ago

The picture book for the family will not make it to Tacoma until next week so I am attaching photos here for all to enjoy. I also found a Urban League 40th Anniversary youtube video with Mrs. Crawford speaking throughout ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5MrcGBVYqU

Tribute Wall

Tribute Wall