Leatrice Elizabeth Crews

Leatrice Elizabeth King Crews of Richlands died March 21, 2014 after a short illness at the age of 83. She was born January 11, 1931 in Wilmington, NC and was a long-time resident of Richlands, NC. She was a graduate of Richlands High School and Meredith College.

“Lea” was the epitome of a life service. She began her career as a school teacher in Laurinburg and Richlands, followed by a long career as an Onslow County social worker. She was a member of the Richlands First Baptist Church where she served as a choir member, Sunday School teacher, and deacon. She was a member of the Richlands Sunshine Club and an Onslow County Master Gardener. Most importantly, she was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend.

“Mother” was preceded in death by her parents, Lester Lee King and Mertie Ellen Shepard King, her sister Kathaleen Joy King Whaley and brother-in-law James Russell Whaley. She is survived by her son Charles Alan Crews and wife Elizabeth “Mimi” Crews of Raleigh, NC; son Donald Glenn Crews and wife Angelique Yvonne Weyrick Crews of Myrtle Beach, SC; brother Ottis Lee King and wife Nancy Faulk King of Teachey, NC; “Nana’s” grandchildren are Erin Michelle Crews and husband Nicolas Jacques Pirog of Atlanta, GA; Jason Patrick Crews and Joshua Wyatt Crews of Raleigh, NC; Christine Elizabeth Crews and Anna Marie Crews of Myrtle Beach, SC; several nieces and nephews, and numerous extended relatives.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 26th at 2 pm at the First Baptist Church of Richlands with the Rev. Gary McAbee officiating. Burial will follow at Onslow Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers are Melvin Beard, Earl Huffman, Jeff Huffman, Clarence Humphrey, Kenneth Jarman, Roy Melton, Billy Smith, and Charles Tyson. Funeral arrangements are through Johnson Funeral Home in Richlands. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Scholarship Fund c/o Richlands First Baptist Church, 100 Rand St., Richlands, NC 28574.