Virginia Dean Crowder

Reidsville – Virginia Belle Dean Crowder, 97, of Wentworth, NC, died Friday, February 8, 2008 at Wilkes Senior Village in North Wilkesboro, NC. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM, Monday, February 11 at Smyrna Presbyterian Church in Wentworth, NC, with Dr. William Hayes officiating.   Interment will follow in the church Cemetery. Mrs. Crowder was born on September 19, 1910, in Marion, VA  to the late Claude and Julia Overbay Dean. She was a homemaker who was known for her lovely and prolific flower gardens. She was the oldest living member of Smyrna Presbyterian Church, where she was actively involved in the Women’s Circle and other church activities for many years. She also was a member of the Eastern Star, The Naturalist Club and the Rockingham County Extension Homemakers. Mrs. Crowder was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Roy Pleasant Crowder; daughter, Dorothy Crowder Brown; grandchildren, Janet Brown and Stephen Reed Powell; eight sisters, Mabel Wagoner, Carrie Marchant, Annie Winebarger, Pauline Gamble, Eula Vernon, Myrtle Goodman, Lois Pardon and Elizabeth Dean; 3 brothers, Clinton, Marvin and Herbert Dean. Surviving are 6 sons and 1 daughter, Harold Crowder and wife, Judy of Burlington, Betty Crowder Powell and husband, Bob of Wilkesboro, Donald Crowder of Wentworth, Bob Crowder of Stoneville, John Crowder and wife, Betty of Winston-Salem, Eddie Crowder and wife, Dale of Reidsville, Gregory Crowder of Petersburg, VA; two brothers, Claude Dean and Rev. William Dean of Marion, VA, 20 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren.     The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church fellowship hall. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Rockingham County, P.O. Box 281, Wentworth, NC 27375 Wilkerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com