Gerald Jerry Crawford

On Tuesday, April 9th, our beloved Gerald J. Crawford, departed this life peacefully at home, at the age of 79. Gerald, who also went by Jerry, was born in Philadelphia, PA on April 4, 1945 to the late James Oscar and Alberta Jenkins Crawford.

Gerald proudly served in the United States Marines from December 1970 to December 1991, retiring from Little Creek base in Norfolk, VA as an E-7 and receiving several medals, including rifle and pistol sharp shooter. Following his retirement, he continued his commitment to serve his community as a bus driver with Hampton Roads Transit for 5 years.

He was stationed in North Carolina prior to laying roots down in Virginia Beach, VA in 1989. Despite life’s hardships, Gerald was very charismatic, kind and giving, a mentor and fun to be around. He had a thrill for roller coasters and didn’t mind riding them all by himself if others were afraid and backed out. Prior to his health declining, he spent the last 25 plus years traveling around the world to many places along with his wife Judith of 28 years, who he met at Indian River bowling alley in 1994. He had a great sense of direction and made a habit at times popping up on his daughter, Niki or stepson, Greg, just to sit and hang out. Gerald, who was an Eagles fan by default, also had an eye for fashion, as he was very stylish and wore his suits and hats with confidence. He also brought his Philly style to his smooth dance moves and was an exceptional swimmer.

For those who knew him, knew he loved to eat! IHOP and Pollard's Chicken was like sweet music to his ears. Not to mention, he himself was also a good cook and made a mean liver and onions and chicken salad. Some of Gerald’s favorite pastimes that he enjoyed were crossword puzzles, Solitaire, playing chess and frequenting Kempsville Recreation Center. Gerald also had a love for First Baptist Church, Berkely and the members who showed love and supported him throughout his journey for the past 8 years.

To some he wasn’t a man of many words, to others, he was known for asking and having intellectual conversations. Regardless of how anyone knew him, his eyes said a lot. One question in particular that he asked many years ago to a young boy who was special to him, named “Man”, was: “What makes us so special?”. We may not know if he ever got his answer or may get it in the afterlife, but he brought light to others and was special to a lot of people who he encountered in the end.

Gerald is predeceased by his parents, James O. Crawford and Alberta Jenkins Crawford of Philadelphia, PA; his first wife, Francis Crawford; grandparents; brothers: Pete Crawford, Richard Crawford; sisters: Flavia Crawford, William Crawford, Alicia Crawford.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Crawford, and 5 children: Troy Crawford, Tony Crawford, Donald Crawford, Cyndi Crawford and Niki Crawford; host of grandchildren; stepson, Alex “Greg” Mays; sister-in-law, Joyce Thomas, brother-in-law, Gerald Brannon; and a host of extended relatives and friends.