Ethel Crawford-Townes, affectionately known to family members as Pigmeat, ET, the Matriarch and “Grandma” was born to the late Reverend Charles C. Crawford and Laura Lane-Crawford on May 7, 1929 in Kinston, North Carolina. She was the fifth of six children, and was blessed with a caring personality that exuded love, happiness, and joy.
While attending Adkin High School, she joined the basketball team and became captain - playing the Forward position. It was there that she developed a love of the game before graduating in 1948. Shortly thereafter, she gave birth to her first child, Bernadette. While attending a local event in Kinston, she met a young soldier named Leonard Townes. Fireworks ensued and they married on January 3, 1953. The couple then moved to White Plains, NY and soon welcomed the births of Leonarda, Taryn, Kimberly and Leonard Gerard.
Instilled with a strong work ethic, Ethel worked various jobs until 1969, when she landed a position with the White Plains Daycare Center as a Parent Coordinator. Ethel loved children and she helped many mothers, young and old, secure child care. In 1986, she began working for the Westchester County Department of Social Services as an examiner. She eventually became a case worker and was able to fulfill her desire of working with children. She later returned to school and received a B.S. degree from Mercy College in 1998. An avid basketball fan, she loved Magic Johnson and the “Showtime” LA Lakers and later LeBron James. She rarely missed a game. She enjoyed family vacations, puzzles, word-search games, debating various issues and reading on her kindle.
Ethel joined Calvary Baptist Church under the pastoral ministry of Reverend Dr. James I. Phifer. Years later, under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Lester Cousin, she served as President of the Pulpit Aid Society, was a member of the Daughters of Calvary and assisted with Sunday school classes.
Preceding Ethel in death are four sisters, Hazel Crawford, Mildred Patron, Thelma Loftin, Clementine Moore and one brother Charles C. Crawford, Jr. She leaves a legacy of love, courage and unselfishness to her children, Bernadette Thornwell, Leonarda Ferrebee, Taryn McNeil, Kimberly Huff, Leonard Gerard Townes, daughter-in-law Tik and “adopted children” the Evans family: Carol, Laura, Jackie, Cynthia, Susie and Jeffrey. In addition, she enjoyed a close family relationship with Russell Adams, Mitch Hewlett, and Greg Frazier. She also leaves behind; Nieces: Rhonda Hicks, Gwen Peters and Cathy Bridges; Nephews: Charles C. Crawford III, Cedric Loftin, Jody Raynor and Gregory Lee; Grandchildren: N’Gai (Janeira), Brian, Janell, Joe (Leah), Kala, Markell and Noah; Great-Grandchildren: Isaiah, Jy’ke, Mia, Mason and Cora; God-daughter Tonya Brown and longtime friends Jackie Dowling, Francine Dawson and Ethel Kane. A host of others were also touched by her loving personality and will cherish her memory. Ethel departed this life peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.
Our Dearest ET,
You always taught us to treat others with kindness and unselfish love. A day will not go by when we will not think of you. You were more than a Mom, you were an amazing friend. We will miss the laughter, debates, never-ending questions and wisdom you have shared with us. We vow to stick together as a family and love each other through good and bad times.
Love,
Dette, Leo, Taryn, Kimberly & Gerard
“Rest in Peace ET, you’ve gone home”
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