January 11, 1936 - June 13, 2025
Mrs. Eloise DeLoach Crawford, 89, of Nevils, Georgia passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, June 13th.
Eloise was the matriarch of her family and was a beloved wife, mother, sister, Nana, and friend known for her fierce love and devotion to her family and friends. Born on January 11, 1936, to the late Lorena Cowart DeLoach and Lester Fair DeLoach.
Eloise grew up in the Denmark area of Bulloch County. She attended Nevils School and completed her education in Savannah, Georgia where she later met the love of her life, William “Bill” Patrick Crawford, II. Eloise and Bill met in a movie theater where he scratched her phone number into his Styrofoam cup. They were married a month and four days later. Shortly after they were married, they had their son William Patrick “Pat” Crawford, III. Eloise and Bill had a beautiful marriage of 70 years, and she rarely went anywhere without her “Buddy.” They traveled the world while Bill was in the United States Airforce. Eloise often spoke of their time overseas living in Thailand, The Philippines, and Bermuda as well as many assignments across the United States. Early in her life Eloise worked at S.H. Kress and Co. on Broughton Street in Savannah. She had a short career in banking, but most of her life she worked for Pineland CSB Mental Health in Statesboro, Georgia where she retired after more than 40 years of employment. Eloise had a love for gardening where her family always looked forward to her home-grown vegetables, especially her tomatoes and creamed corn. She also prepared many family favorites in her kitchen, but she was most known for her sour cream pound cake, Caramel cake, chocolate sheet cake, Fried rice, and homemade French fries. Eloise loved her time with family around her oval dinner table where every birthday, holiday, and Sunday dinner were celebrated. She also looked forward to family trips every year to the mountains and Tybee Island. Eloise was known for her sassy personality but had a soft spot for those she loved. She was especially close to her two sisters who she made sure to talk to everyday. Later in life, Eloise and Bill took pleasure in more simple things like sitting on their back porch watching birds and sipping their rum and Coke together.
Eloise is survived by her husband Bill Crawford and son Pat (Debbie) Crawford of Nevils, GA, granddaughters Jami (Brian) Newland of Richmond Hill, GA and Ally (Kurt) Hardison of Macon, GA. Sisters Patricia Royal of Hardeeville, SC and Shirlie Johnson of Moultrie, GA. Great Grandsons William “Liam” Newland, Brice Newland, and William Cater “Cade” Hardison. Nephews Darrell (Janet) Royal and Daniel (Marsha) Johnson. Sister-in-law Connie Lyons of Atlanta, GA. Neice Robin (Doug) Martinelli and Nephew Todd Standridge. Eloise was preceded in death by her brothers-in-law Clifton Royal and Jerry Johnson, niece Chris Coleman, and best friend June DiPolito who fondly called her “Weezie.”
Eloise’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and management of Southern Manor Senior Living of Statesboro, GA who so lovingly and patiently cared for her during her most difficult days.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Monday, June 16th at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro, GA, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home with Dr. George Dillard officiating.
Pallbearers are Brian Newland, Kurt Hardison, Darrell Royal, Daniel Johnson, Tim Stalcup, Ty Dillard, Andy Dillard and Brad Dillard.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.
Interment will be held at Bulloch Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Pineland CSB Mental Health.