Her Story

On September 5th, 1942 AnnaBell Ware (deceased) and Jessie Duncan (deceased) of Twinsburg, Ohio were blessed with a beautiful baby girl that they named Betty Lou Duncan. She was the fourth of ten children born to this union. She was always willing to help her mother with the daily care of her siblings. Betty’s love for children began to flourish as she followed in the footsteps of her mother Annabelle.

Her Life

Betty received her education through Twinsburg Public Schools. After graduation at the age of 18 years old Betty married Howard Lee Crawford. This union had already been predetermined as Howard promised her he would marry her when she was ten years old as they traveled home on the school bus one day.

Soon after they wed Betty and Howard started their family. She gave birth to four adoring children, Tamie L. (Crawford) Collins, Randy E. Crawford, Harry C. Crawford and Linda A. Crawford (deceased). Betty had always been a homemaker at the request of her husband. This allowed her the advantage of spending more time with her children, nieces and nephews. Soon thereafter, Betty took on the role as the neighborhood babysitter, which is something that she loved dearly. For her it was never about the money, but more about her love for children and helping single and widowed mothers.

As her children became adults and began to leave home, she sought out the necessary state required training to become a Foster Mother for Cuyahoga County, which was a role that she learned and enjoyed. She displayed her passion of being a Foster Mother by fostering many children along the way. Her husband loved his wife dearly and because of his love for her he supported her in her journey. As time went on family, friends and Betty herself understood that her gift from God was to be a “Mother” to many children that she felt were in need of love and attention. Soon after they adopted two infant boys Jermain Crawford and Gairshawn Crawford.

Grandmothering and a Godmother is also attached to the word “mother” as it became a common part of her life. Being a Godmother was a title Betty took very seriously. Every child that she met and felt needed some extra love became either one of these. She was commonly referred to as mom, granny or Aunt Betty by children and adults alike.

Her Faith

In 1981 Betty joined Sharon Pentecostal Church in Cleveland Ohio and became a loyal servant of God. As she studied and learned the word of God and trusted the leadership of Bishop A.D. Porter and his wife Mother Jennie Porter her purpose again guided her to have very special relationships with children. Of course, she took on the role of the children’s Sunday School Teacher. In addition, she was also a member of the usher Board and the Nurses Guild. During Service, picnics and other church functions Betty’s love for children led her to care for them during those times. Betty loved taking two annual trips with her husband and a van full of grandchildren to the Annual Pastoral Anniversary in Chattanooga Tennessee and vacationing with family in Greenville, South Carolina. There wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t have a child attached at her hip. She never appeared tired while caring for babies and children, she once said it was easier to talk to and teach children, and they would always provide her with unconditional love.

Her Legacy

Betty continued her faith as physical and health challenges began to occur. Those challenges did not deter her from continuing to support and counsel children and adults. She was an advocate for the disabled. Betty was also a loyal donor to the St Jude Children’s Hospital.

Her love for children was truly her purpose in life; it was the one thing that always brought a smile to her face and peace in her heart. In her most challenging days her concern still remained the welfare of children. On September 14^th, 2025 her great granddaughter began to cry in her presence. Although she was very weak, she mustered up all her remaining strength to open her eyes and say “bring her to me”. The baby was placed over her as she wrapped her arms around her to comfort and bless her, still displaying her love and concern.

Betty kept the faith until she was called home on Friday September 19th, 2025. Her life and legacy will go on in the memories and hearts of those who love her.

Betty is preceded in death by Howard L. Crawford (husband), Parents AnnaBell Ware (Mother), Jessie Duncan(Father), Linda Crawford (daughter), Six sisters, one brother, two grand sons: Damis Crawford, Khai Jones, and Theresa Ferguson (Goddaughter).

Survived by her adoring children: Tamie L. Collins (Gerald), Randy E. Crawford (Cynthia), Harry C. Crawford, Gairshawn Crawford, Jermaine Crawford, sisters: Geneva Robinson (Leon), Mildren Rucker, brother in law: Charles Crawford (Early), Grandchildren, Great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends.

Proverbs 31 25-26

She is clothed with strength and dignity, able to laugh without fear of the future, and speaking with wisdom, with the law of kindness on her tongue.

Proverbs 31:31

Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.