We all endure a process of becoming…who we are meant to become. Most of us fundamentally think of life as a burden. Life is but a process, by which we ultimately chiseled, by The Almighty God according to His plan, into who we will be, and assigned to what effect we will have on the world.
The Charlotte Panthers lost a dedicated fan on Monday, August 15, 2022. Henry “Legend” Crowder, Man of God, devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend of Wadesboro, NC departed his earthly home at the age of 77 surrounded by his family, at Atrium Hospice of Monroe, NC.
The greatest event in Henry’s life was the day he married the beautiful Mattie Kate Hough Crowder on August 31, 1969. Their marriage of 52 years was one of love, kindness, devotion, support, and respect. Their marriage endures as a model for their descendants. Henry was a respected and hardworking man who provided for his family; he was a carpenter and worked in the agriculture industry producing one of the country’s most important products, poultry.
He began his walk with Christ at a very early age as a child. At an early age, he joined Meltonville Baptist Church; later changed to New Meltonville Baptist Church where he remained an active member until his health declined. Henry practiced his faith in every aspect of his life through prayer, a lifetime of kind words and good deeds. He always gave thanks to God upon awakening for sparing his life each and every day until he transitioned to his heavenly home.
Henry was born on February 14, 1945, in Anson County, North Carolina. Henry’s deep rooted Christian faith carried him through several difficult times. Through it all, he never gave up hope. A child of God born at the end of the Great Depression; Henry was the fourth oldest child of eleven children; born to the late John William and Lessie Collins Crowder. Henry was preceded by death by his three siblings Gertrude Chambers, Sarah Knotts, and James Ernest Crowder; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Little, Ammie McNair and Beulah Mickle; as well as brothers-in-law, William Joe Hough, Thomas Hough, and James Edward Hough.
Henry is survived by his children, oldest daughter, Cathy Burch (James), babygirl, Pamela Crowder-Spikes (Johnny) and his protégé A’Carlos (Traie) Hough all of Charlotte. Surrogate children Roseztta McCray (Robert), Kishia Dunlap, Alvin Conrad (Mary) Little and Keith (Queenie) Lee of Wadesboro. Henry was blessed with four grandchildren Matthew Joseph, Jamarcus Crowder, Amari and A’mya Hough. Great grandchildren, Alani Cuff, Sebastian Henry Lee Crowder, Levi Crowder and Sage Velez.
Henry has four sisters, Rosa Martin of Greensboro NC, Emma Bennett Watson of Wadesboro, Mary Green Of Greensboro and Marilyn (Frank) Watson of Red Oak Texas. Three brother’s Purcell (Johanna) of Bowie Maryland, Larry (Sylvia) of Vacaville, CA and Truman Crowder of Polkton, NC, brothers-in-law Calvin Knotts of Midland, NC. Sisters-in-laws, Shelia Mitchell Crowder of Greensboro, NC, Helen Campbell of Greensboro NC, Callie (Ronald) Powe of Wadesboro NC, Irene (James) Mason of Greensboro, NC, Johnsie and Annie Hough of Wadesboro NC, and Glenda (Ernest) Spencer, Lilesville, NC. God-sisters, Bonita Bowman, Joletha (Edward) Little, Sallie (Theo) Gray and God-brothers, Henry Lee and Lester Dunlap. Special neighbors of Richmond Street-Wadesboro: Peggy and Bobby Simon, Greg Dean, Charlie Little, Larry Sturdivant and Vernon Bennett; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Beyond all, Henry’s greatest love was his family and community; he was respected and admired by his children; he would tell his children when they were young, “hard work yields great rewards.” Henry was a constant presence, cheerleader, our greatest supporter, and fan. He was a father to the fatherless; a big brother, amazing uncle and friend to many in Anson and surrounding counties.
Henry grew fishing in Anson with several family members, where he developed a lifelong love of fishing with his best friend, Mr. Johnny C. Robinson. As an adult, he loved spending time at the pond and hunting with family and friends over the years, especially with Mr. Johnny. One of his greatest pleasures was cooking and feeding his brothers. Henry leaves many treasured loved ones, but we know he will miss (and be missed) at all those family gatherings. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. In Igbo culture, when a great king passes on, they say, "Oke osisi adaala n'obodo," which means "a great tree has fallen in the land." It is a rare occurrence for great trees to fall. However, the fall is also not the end of the tree because its deep roots ensures it keeps sending out new sprouts.
The Services to Honor the Life and Legacy of Mr. Crowder will be on Monday, August 22, 2022, 1:00pm, in the Chapel of Smith's Funeral Home, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will be at Westview Memorial Park, Highway 74-West, Wadesboro, North Carolina.
The Crowder Family will greet family and friends on Monday, August 22, 2022 from 12:30-1:00pm in the Chapel of Smith's Funeral Home and at all other times at the family residence 251 Richmond Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.
The public viewing for Mr. Crowder will be on Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 3:30-6:30 at Smith's Funeral Home.
Face Mask/Coverings are REQUIRED to be worn.
Cathy my heart goes out to you and your family. I pray that God gives you all comfort and strength at all times— just call on His name! And He will see you through. Rest In Peace Mr. Crowder🌹🙏🏾🌹from Marilyn Gabriel
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My condolences to Cathy and Family
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Condolences and prayers for the Crowder family. Edrow and Marsha Wingo
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Deepest sympathy and prayers to the crowder family James and Pat Harris
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Cathy, Our heartfelt prayers are with you and your family during this time. Always remember, A Father's Love is eternal and without end. Love, Greg & Pamela Gordon and Family
- Pamela Gordon
Praying for you and your family Love Schinetta
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Our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Henry Crowder's family, friends, and loved ones. Sincerely, Wayne Tillman and Family
- Wayne Tillman
Our Heart goes out to you Mrs.Mattie ,with the Passing of Mr.Henry . He will be Greatly Missed,Cathy and Pam you all are in Our Prayers 🙏💖.
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With Love from The Woodson Family
- frank woodson
Sending prayers, and our condolences to the family. Praying God strengthen the family at this time of the loss of your loved one. Louis & Dr. Mary Ruth Burns
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To Mrs Mattie Sending love you!!! CJ , Yah-Yah,Goobie and LJ
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To his devoted wife, Mrs. Mattie Crowder and the entire family. Rev:21:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death,nor sorrow,nor crying, there shall be no more pain, for the former things passed away. Your Brother in Christ, Vernon T. Kersey
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To The loyal wife, Mrs. Mattie Crowder and Family. In Deepest Sympathy,May you find comfort in memories that are yours to cherish always and the strength in the companionship of those who share your loss. Lynne,Rikus,Britt and Tea
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My condolences and prayers to the Crowder Family there is always love shown for everyone sending love JACKIE Mckinney
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My deepest condolences to the Crowder family. My prayers are with your family. Cindy Zeigler
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OUR PRAYERS & CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF MR HENRY CROWDER.WE WILL MISS YOU & YOUR SMILES & LAUGHTER. MAY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER BLESS & KEEP YOU IN HIS LOVING CARE.OUR LOVE& PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALWAYS. HENRY W & MAE C BLACK KANNAPOLIS,NC
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OUR PRAYERS & CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF MR HENRY CROWDER.WE WILL MISS YOU & YOUR SMILES & LAUGHTER. MAY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER BLESS & KEEP YOU IN HIS LOVING CARE.OUR LOVE& PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALWAYS. HENRY W & MAE C BLACK KANNAPOLIS,NC
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OUR PRAYERS & CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF MR HENRY CROWDER.WE WILL MISS YOU & YOUR SMILES & LAUGHTER. MAY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER BLESS & KEEP YOU IN HIS LOVING CARE.OUR LOVE& PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALWAYS. HENRY W & MAE C BLACK KANNAPOLIS,NC
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Sending prayers of comfort- The Ratliff Family
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My condolences and prayers 🙏🏻 to William Crowder family Chuks Darnell
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Big Hen was my pops as he adopted us as family 30 years ago... I will always be grateful for the words of wisdom he always laid on myself and my Terrence.... We will continue to look out for your girls 💪🏾💙🙏🏾👊🏾🔥🔥🔥
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Pam and Kathy, Sorry for your loss. Our sympathies are with you and your family during this difficult time. Kavitha and family
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Deepest condolences to the entire Crowder family. May God comfort you during this time of loss. The Jenkins Family
- Gwendolyn Jenkins
Condolences from the Buchanon and Polk Family.
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Henry William Crowder was adored by his great grandchildren Alani, Sebastian , and Levi. As their grandma , I thank you for spending time with them , showing them love , and passing along the song "A bushel and a peck " for them to sing for generations to come. Your love will carry on for generations. Denize Cuff
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Our sincere deepest condolences to the entire Crowder family. We pray that God will comfort you in your time at bereavement. King (June) and Chris Polk
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So sorry for y'all loss I will keep the family in my prayers god bless you all going but not forgotten R.I.P. Mr.Henry
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May God comfort your family during this time. Enjoy the memories that have been made through the years and allow your hearts to be healed by the love. Edwina Shankle and family.
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Prayers for the crowder family
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Iron Man ❤️🙏🏽❤️
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My sincere condolences Trina Strode
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My sincere condolences to the family. I love you guys. Trina Strode
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My deepest condolences to you and your family. Niecy Sturdivant
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Our deepest condolences to the Crowder family during this time. Please know that our family is keeping yours in our prayers and thoughts. Khadeeja and Kevin Jackson
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To Pam and Family, I pray that you all will find love, strength, comfort and peace in The Lord God our Savior. I asked Him to mend all your broken pieces and I pray that in a moment when you feel alone that you will be surrounded by an outpouring love and support from both family and friends to help guide you through your time of bereavement. I am sorry to hear of Mr Henry's passing and we thank God for his time here on Earth. May his memory forever live on in your hearts and minds. 🙏🏾
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My sincerest condolences to this beautiful family. May the love that you all have for each other embrace your spirits at this time and always, and may our Lord provide you strength and comfort in each of your lives.
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Prayers to my extended family! Thanking God for allowing me to know and love this great man!
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Praying for your family peace and comfort
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Wishing the family strength and faith for Mr. Henry was a kind person. A strong Husband and Father. Praying for God's will for you all to go on. Leanna
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Condolences and prayers to the Crowder family 🙏🏽🌹Sarah A Staton and family
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You left us peaceful memories, Your love is still our guide. And though we cannot see you,You are always in our heart and watching over us. A great God sent brother-in-law. You was and still loved by us. Family means a lot and you showed that to all. MaFaye, Derrick and George along with your family will rejoice to the upmost. Love you Henry. Prayers are with Mattie, Pam, Cathy, and A'Carlos and the rest of the family. Your extended sisters-in-love: Sallie, Bonita, and JoLetha.
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Prayers are with Purcell, Truman and the entire Crowder family during their time of grief. "Zack Little "
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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
- Smith's Funeral Home | Wadesboro, NC
- Denize Cuff
- Inez Eldewek