Rozier Crawley

He Was One in a Million! "When the gates swing open, I'll walk in…" On March 20, 1932, in Hazlehurst, Georgia, the late Willie Semus Crawley, Sr. and Geneva Mosley Crawley became the proud parents of their second son, Rozier Crawley fondly known as RC. Later in life, his granddaughter Brittany dubbed him "Superman" because he was her Super Hero. RC was so rambunctious! As a child, RC brought the household to life and was full of mischief. He had such a way with people and they loved having him in their presence. RC attended and grew up in the Tallahassee Missionary Baptist Church. Likewise, he was educated at the Tallahassee Church School and Hazlehurst High School. He excelled in carpentry, dancing, singing and loved the guitar; so much so, he and friends formed the True Tones Jr. Gospel Singers. They were sensational and extremely popular! Early in life, RC married Doris Evelyn Briggs Crawley. They were blessed with three children; Rozier Jr., Robert and Bettye Jean. Soon thereafter, Rozier Jr. and Robert passed, followed by the sudden death of Doris. During the next phase of his life he married Martha Evelyn Clinton Crawley. They enjoyed the pleasure of each other for the next 50 glorious years until Evelyn's untimely transition. To this eternal union, four children were born: Marva Evelyn, Sammie, Felton Louis, and Geneva Delois. During his twilight years he was married to the late Mamie Louise Marie Tyler-Crawley. As a young man, RC worked with Philip Morris Tobacco Company in North Carolina. His zest for the outdoors paved the way for his move to Pompano Beach, Florida where he became a landscaping apprentice. RC was a quick study and enjoyed Florida; but, "Georgia was on his mind" and he returned, eventually settling in Atlanta where he worked with the Rev. Hosea Williams at Terry Enterprises Corporation until retirement. RC was so charming. He delighted in reminiscing about the past, watching westerns, listening to recordings of ageless gospel artists and quartets, and being passionate about sports, especially baseball. He loved those Braves! Showing compassion towards animals was an attribute of his character. There was not a dog he did not like! Yet, "Superman" doted on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with love and adoration. Brittany, a vivacious granddaughter preceded him in death. RC became a member of Morning Star Baptist Church in Atlanta and recently Bible Believer's Church. He also was a proud member of The Prince Hall Masonic Grand Lodge on Auburn Avenue, located in historic Atlanta. RC was dearly loved and will be missed by many. Five children: Bettye Crawley Brown (Hazlehurst, GA), Marva Crawley (Atlanta, GA), Sammie Crawley (Atlanta, GA), Felton (Tonya) Crawley (Colorado Springs, CO), and Geneva (Ronell) Johnson (Hampton, GA); six grandchildren: April (Rob) Conley, Brandy Crawley, Shannon (John) Jean, Bianca (Logan) Martin, Mackenzie and Matthew Crawley; three great-grandchildren: Aaliyah and Skylar Conley and Ariel Shukura; three sisters: Geraldine Crawley (Hazlehurst, GA); Catherine (Eddie) Wright (Jacksonville, FL); and Gwendolyn (Willie) Foster (St. Petersburg, FL); and a host of amazing nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.