Mother Vergia Crowder was born October 12, 1927 in Water Valley, MS to the late Owens and Dresser Clyde (Toliver) Hoskins. She was the fourth of nine children. Both parents and six siblings preceded her in death. She accepted Christ at an early age at Spring Hill North M. B. Church in Water Valley, MS.
On December 31, 1946, she married Lawyer Crowder and to this union nine children were born. One preceded her in death. December 1957, they moved to Chicago, IL. She joined St. James M. B. Church under the leadership of the late Rev. J. H. Ross. In 1979, they returned to Water Valley, MS and reunited with Spring Hill M. B. Church. Shortly after her husband’s passing, she returned to Chicago in February 1990 to be near her children. She joined First Baptist Church in 1990 under the leadership of the late Dr. Arthur D. Griffin and served faithfully on the Mother’s Board.
On Monday, November 25, 2013 around 8 a.m., she departed this life. Mom Crowder was a very funny, soft spoken, yet strong woman.
Leaving to cherish her memories are five sons, Chester, James, Lawyer Jr., Kenneth (Sharon) and Alexander; three daughters, Eva (Hardie) of Memphis, TN, Betty and Mildred, all of Chicago, IL; one brother, Roland Hoskin (Lavonia), Cozy Smith (Jessie) of Dayton, OH; eighteen grandchildren; twenty seven great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be held in Chicago, IL on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Congregational Church with the Rev. George W. Daniels officiating. Wake will be one hour prior to service time. Local burial will be in Water Valley, MS at Spring Hill North Cemetery Tuesday morning at 10 a.m.