Frances Loretta Crutchfield

Frances Loretta Cruthchfield was born on November 4, 1920 in Edmond, West Virginia, daughter of the late William and Lelia Coleman. She was one of 5 children born to the union including Angeline, Lois, Lelia, and William. She was educated in Fayette County Public Schools of West Virginia. Frances accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Beulah Baptist Church also in Edmond, West Virginia. She married Chauncey Crutchfield in 1945 and moved to Winona, West Virignia. From this union they had 3 children: two daughers (Anquetta Thomas, Earlene Johnson) and one son (Chauncey Cruthfield, Jr. known as Boo-deceased). The family moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1959. Frances and the children later moved to Washington DC to join her mother and other relatives. While here in DC, Frances worked at Walter Reed, The Bender Building, among others doing domestic work and providing home healthcare for the sick and elderly. From her jobs, she saved her money to send her children to college. They lived on Taylor Street NW, followed by Randolph Street NW, and then Kansas Avenue. In 1988? Frances moved into Johnson Towers on Upshur with her 2 other sisters and brother which is where she resided until her passing. Frances formerly served as Treasurer of the Johnson Towers Resident Association. She also helped to distribute food at Johnson Towers. Frances joined Zion Hill in 19?? where she was an active member of the church. She was the Pastor’s Aide and a member of the following ministries: Seniors, S.H.A.R.E., Sunday School and Women’s Ministry. Zion Hill and the members of the church were a significant part of Frances’ life. She also attended in-home Bible Study faithfully. Several times each week, she attended the Zion Baptist Senior Ministry (Blagden Avenue). She led a very active life and enjoyed fellowshipping with others. She was able to travel across the country on vacations with her family. She was even fortunate enough to take a cruise to Mexico with her grand-daughter Kathy. She enjoyed playing bingo, watching Young and the Restless, The Wheel of Fortune, and the various court/judge shows. She played the role of the family alarm clock for her children and grand-children waking them up for school, work, and even college. She was a sharp dresser. And she was very, very funny. Frances was a warm and loving person who almost never met anyone who didn’t grow fond of her immediately. She was considered an “Angel” here on earth. She was a pillar of strength to everyone who knew her. She was a determined woman who persevered over many obstacles. She was a faithful servant of the Lord. She taught us all the true meaning of unconditional love and the power of giving. She was well respected and full of wisdom. Frances will be greatly missed by her family, church congregation, and many, many friends. But we all feel so blessed to have had her as a part of our lives for so long. Frances is survived by her daughters, Anquetta and Earlene, son-in-law Jesse, her grandchildren Danita (Charles) and Kathryn, LaFayette and 7 great- grandchildren: Brittany, Brandon, Kirby, Alexis, Brianna, Jessica, and Jasmine; one niece Erma, nephews: Michael (Linda), Otis (Vicki), and William and many great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her god-daughter and god-son Stephanie and Jerome along with her adopted son and daughter Melvin and Loretta as well as other cousins, great- nephews, and great-nieces. Frances will also be sorely missed by those who cared for her over the past few years including Ms. Doris, Raquel, and CiCi.

Tributes

Frances Loretta Crutchfield

November 4, 1920 - January 12, 2012