Evon Shaw Crawley

Evon Shaw was born on April 3, 1938, in Glenville, Georgia, to the late Johnnie Jones and Mildred Sellers Cooper. As the eldest of 14 children, she was lovingly raised by her mother, Mildred, and her devoted bonus father, the late Artance Cooper. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Donald Hayes Crawley, Sr.; her son, Donald Hayes Crawley, Jr.; daughter, Lenora Herbert; grandson, Bryan Owen Crawley, Jr.; and siblings, Thomas Cooper, Lois Grover, Arlene Cooper, and Danny Roberts.

Affectionately known as “Mom-Mom,” “Evie E,” “Flossy,” and “Sweet Lady,” Evon was a longtime resident of Lambertville, New Jersey, before retiring—twice—with her husband to Hampton Roads, Virginia. Over the years, she held roles as a housekeeper, childcare provider, and chef at Union Camp Corporation in New Hope, PA. After her husband’s passing, Evon spent nearly a decade in Virginia’s Piedmont region before making the decision in 2022 to relocate to Hampton Roads to live with her daughter, Mildred Hall and son-in-love, Alfred Hall, Sr.

Mom-Mom spent a great deal of time pouring into her legacy, especially “The Grands.” In some way, shape or form, she raised each one of them with wisdom and her loving, caring spirit, even pulling their ears (mostly JR) as well as gifting them with “some change.” It was all love founded on her faith. While in New Jersey, she was a member of First Baptist Church in Pennington, founded by the Crawley family in 1902. Since 2022, she had been a member of Moore to Christ Ministries in Hampton, VA, founded by her eldest grandchild, Pastor Shantae Moore. For every mountain high and valley low, Evon kept the Lord close and thanked Him for all things. Every morning, she honored the Lord in prayer and devotion. Imprinted on her heart were scriptures like:

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” —Deuteronomy 31:8

“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves... 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord.” —Romans 12:19-21

Next to her faith and family was her love of artistry. Evon was an artist; known to keep a pencil and a sketch pad in hand. Over the years, she drew and/or painted countless pieces, inclusive of portraits of her grandchildren. Her artwork graces many of our homes. Evon also loved to garden, beautify flower beds, and collect elephant and oriental figurines throughout her lifetime. Her appetite for the Blues was unmatched, especially for BB King. She often listened to music, reminiscing over her life, sharing stories of her youth as the music played, inviting her grandchildren to dance with her too.

Mom-Mom loved to laugh, especially with her personal comedians - her grandsons, A-Jay and Artance. She often tuned into Sanford & Son and Madea, and she truly adored Westerns, too. Christmas was her most endeared holiday, as this was her special time of joyfully giving and also instructing with love on her infamous recipes. And no matter how “seasoned” she was, Evon never lost her ability to dress to impress or her passion for shopping!

Evon lived a full life as a strong, independent woman, even doing push-ups at 87 years young! We all witnessed her lovingly speaking her truth with that signature "tough love,” her “Mama Bear” protection, her feistiness, and even her stubbornness, as well as her exceptionally loyal demeanor. She wanted nothing more than to love and be loved.

In her golden years, she made beautiful memories while on adventures with The Halls. At 86, despite having had a fear of water for many years, she bravely entered a pool for the first time—holding her eldest great-great-grandson, Mi’Kell. Evon stated in these last years, “I've seen paradise,” and she was blessed to experience an incredible sense of liberation, freedom and healing that was life changing. Her great-grandsons, IV and Dontae, were her “heroes.” In her words, “I am as free as a bird.” Today, we rejoice knowing she now soars freely, beyond the pearly gates.

Mom-Mom lived to witness 5 generations of the Donnie and Evon legacy - Crawley strong! She is survived by her loving children: Laura Rose Crawley Simpson (Gerald, Sr.), Mildred Crawley Hall (Alfred, Sr.), and Bryan Crawley (Karen); 24 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings: Virginia Shaw, Annette Housel (Raymond), Urshlene Cruse (Bill), Patricia Brown, Carol Mitchell (John), Henry Cooper (Janice), Tony Cooper, Nicole Smith, and Robin Wilson (Jerry); her dearest friends Patricia Gillette, Betty Davis, and Evelyn McCoy; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family.

While we mourn her physical absence and will miss her dearly, we honor and celebrate knowing that Evon was blessed with a long life and a long legacy. She has received her crown! As promised by our Heavenly Father, King Jesus, Mom-Mom's soul is blessed with eternal life, the ultimate gift, for her undeniable acceptance and belief in our Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ.

Funeral services, officiated by her granddaughter, Pastor Shantae Moore, will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. Interment will follow in Holcombe-Riverview Cemetery, (Delaware Township), Lambertville, NJ. A visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the time of the service, also in the funeral home.

Initial arrangements were entrusted to the C. C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc., 3700 Marshall Ave. (39th and Marshall), Newport News, VA 23607.

Final arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.