Zelma Dunn born to the late Norman & Eldora Dunn in Garner North Carolina November 23, 1926. It was there she attended school and gave her life to Christ at an early age. Zelma later gave herself the middle name Marie "well everyone else had a middle name, why shouldn't I " she proclaimed.
Zelma Marie Dunn fell in love with the late Ralph Lane Crowder and they joined in Holy Matrimony, a union that lasted 57 years. Zelma faithfully stood beside her husband and cared for him through sickness and in health- there union ending only according to the vows that they made before God "till death do us part".
From the union of Ralph and Zelma four children were born, Peggie, Maude, Marcia and Stanley.
Zelma worked as a nursing aid at City Hospital for thirty years, moved on to continue her career at Children’s Hospital for eighteen years then retired from Bons Secour hospital. Zelma loved to read, and watch many sports, baseball being her favorite.
Zelma spent her entire life as a caregiver, not only for the hospital's but to all that came into her life. She opened her door to many, stranger's that became friends, her children's friends, and her family. Her invitation into her home and heart was for all. She welcomed many weekend visitors (she always made room), had many family gatherings, Sunday dinners and an open door for counsel for all, especially her children and grandchild. Zelma loved family she guided them with wisdom and strength, she was strong in her opinions and very straight forward, if you couldn't handle the truth, then you need not ask her. Zelma knew only the truth could set you free and make you strong for the world we all had to embark upon. Zelma loved to talk and laugh, and a hardy laugh she had, she enjoyed life and mostly life with her late husband Ralph, she would reminisce about their trips and time spent together.
As Zelma's health began to decline she moved with her children, lastly staying with Maude & Roosevelt and Raigan as they provided care for her, much like she provided for them previously.
Zelma was blessed and proud to see the Crowder family grow five generations strong ; she left behind three daughters, Peggie Davis (late Ronald), Maude Harris (Roosevelt), Marcia McDowell (Charles), and one son Stanley Crowder (fiancée D. Whitaker).; grandchildren 9, (three preceded her in death Raycol Harris, Michael McNeal, Sean Davis), great grand children 22, great- great grandchildren 5.
two sisters-in-laws, Rosa Mae Alston, Anna Walls and a devoted cousin James "Jim" Crowder, many nieces, nephews , cousins and a host of friends; especially her devoted friend Lillian Missouri (her daily prayer partner).
A limb has fallen from the family tree
I keep hearing a voice that says, "Grieve not for me
Remember the good times, the laughter, and the songs.
The good life I lived while I was strong.
Continue my heritage, five generations strong,
Keep smiling and surely that will keep me alive,
for I will always be by your side.
I’m with God and Ralph now; so
my mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
having you all, showed me I truly was blessed
continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don't worry at all
I’ll miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin
Until the day comes we're together again.
Lovingly, Peggie, Maude, Marcia
You can only have one birth mother, and God made mine true, patient and kind.
know one else in this world could treat you the same, when others forsake you, mother is there to take care of you. with all her love and kindness, without seeking anything in return.
as I remember momma, her smile, her lovely face and joyful laughter, with precious memories, I recall full of sunshine and a smile for all.
Lord Thank you for your special Grace, for momma holds my heart in a special place. Sweet Jesus, take this message to my momma up above; tell her how much I will miss her being here, Lord give her all my Love until we meet again,
momma was the greatest gift a son could ever receive. Momma I will always miss and adore you, in Spirit I know we will never part.: for I will always carry you in my heart.
Love Stanley
Where do I go from here?
Grand mom your guidance kept things so clear…
What happens now……
when I’m unsure and can’t handle fear?
Grand mom where do I go from here
how do I focus….grand mom you made it so clear
what will life have in store for me?
your wisdom, your guidance, your strength
it all kept me so strong…
Questions racing through my mind …
I can’t be clear…….your not here
tears are racing down my face…at such a rapid pace………
I can’t breathe ...I need some space…….
How do I focus …I can’t see clear...
what will life have in store for me?
…I must suffice
your wisdom, your guidance…it’s all so real
The memories….You …and me,
As I hear your voice speaking
Wipe away the fear, dry up those tears…
I gave you the strength to carry on the legacy
Stand tall be strong…surely nothing can go wrong.
A part of me I left for you to carry on ………
Lovingly - Great Grandchildren
(by Raigan)