Mary Braden Crawley

Mary Braden Crawley, age 97 passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024. Mary B. Crawley was born in the town of Norton in far-western Virginia, but grew up in Lynchburg where she learned to speak proper “Lynchburgian”. Mary B. was the youngest of four siblings, the eldest being her sister, Dot followed by her brothers, “Bubba” and “Teedy”. Even before college education had become the norm for women, Mary B’s family had given her an appreciation for education. She graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College with a BA in Political Science and a teaching certificate. After two years teaching fourth grade in Lynchburg, Mary B. came to visit Dot in Richmond, where she met Ray Crawley. The two married in February of 1950 after a five month romance and were happily married for 64 years. They had three daughters but endured the tragic loss of their middle child, “Kitty” to Leukemia at the age of five. Mary B. had numerous hobbies including bridge, knitting and reading. Her love of reading led her to obtaining a degree in Library Science. She was the church librarian at Crestwood Presbyterian Church for many years. Mary B. had a love for animals. Over the years she had dogs, horses and even an African Dwarf frog. After her husband’s death Mary B. moved to Spring Arbor where her sister Dot lived. The two were fortunate to live several years together in the same facility. Mary B. leaves behind many friends and a devoted family. A celebration of life for Mary will be held Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, VA 23113.