Teresa Antoinette (Crawford) Victor

Where’s Teresa?

The book Where’s Teresa? was written by Decie Merwin and published on January 1, 1956—four years before my momma, Teresa, was born. MyGrandma Ann bought that little book for my mother when she was a little girl. Years later, she passed it down to me when I was little. We’ll come back to that book because, before this is over, you’ll understand why it has always held such a special place in my heart.

Teresa Antoinette Crawford Victor was born on September 17, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, to Leroy Crawford Sr. and Anna Bell Lee Crawford, who both preceded her in death. Like the little girl in that beloved book, my momma was mischievous, smart, adorable, and an absolute ball of fun. She had a smile that could light up a room and a personality that could make almost anyone feel at home.

My mom began her Christian journey as a little girl at Union Star Missionary Baptist Church on Chicago’s west side. There, she sang in the choir, participated in church plays, and proudly recited Easter speeches. As the years passed, she became a member of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Evanston, Illinois, under the leadership of Bishop Carlis L. Moody. It was there that she rededicated her life to Christ. She faithfully served by teaching Sunday School, singing in the Women’s Day and Missions Choirs, and helping to encourage young people through Scholastic Motivation Ministries.

In September 2017, my mom, along with her daughter, Precious A. Crawford, and her grandchildren, Aaron A. Hill and Zipporah R.
Eden (Harvey Eden), relocated to Evansville, Indiana. They united with CrossPointe Trinity Church under the leadership of Pastor Duane Allison. There, my mother faithfully served as one of the intercessors for the church’s Live Nativity for nine years. More than any title she held, she became an encouragement to everyone who crossed her path.

A Few Things You Should Know About Teresa…

1. She had a little acting and singing career, performing in school talent shows.

2. She was a proud member of a social club called Bowls of Sugar, founded by her beloved sister, Jeanette Crawford, who preceded her in death.

3. She once explored cosmetology. Although she chose not to pursue it professionally, she could braid hair just as beautifully as any licensed stylist.

4. She became a Certified Nursing Assistant and compassionately cared for others while working in hospitals, nursing homes, private duty care, and mental health facilities.

5. She later fulfilled another dream by opening Aaronsville Christian Home Daycare & Independent School, where she poured into the
lives of countless children.

6. She loved to dance. Music filled her heart, no matter the genre. She enjoyed coloring and could spend hours playing Backgammon with her brother, Dexter M. Crawford Sr., who also preceded her in death.

7. If you ever came to her house hungry, chances are you weren’t leaving that way. She loved cooking for family and friends, and feeding people was one of the many ways she expressed her love.

8. She could also sit for hours watching every Law & Order, FBI, Chicago series, British detective show she could find, and every
Jurassic Park movie ever made—because, in her words, she needed to see “all the running, screaming, and gnashing of dinosaur teeth.”

9. Mom wasn’t much of a phone person… or so I thought. Later, I discovered she spent hours talking with her sister Cynthia Crawford, who also preceded her in death. After we moved from Chicago, those treasured conversations continued with her sister Wanda Crawford, who has also gone on to be with the Lord.

10. Above everything else, she loved Jesus with all her heart, all her soul, all her mind, and all her strength. She could spend hours reading her Bible, listening to sermons, watching messages, and encouraging others to give Jesus a chance. This past week, I learned that she and her sister Verna Simmons, who also preceded her in death, would spend hours together reading God’s Word and talking about His goodness. Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me at all.

11. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving sisters, Linda Pearson, Babette Crawford, Patricia Jones (Vaughn Jones), and Cathy Lewis; her brother, Leroy Crawford Jr.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; and her beloved aunt, Fannie Edwards of Lancaster, California.

12. So… Where’s Teresa?

She’s exactly where she always hoped to be. She’s in the arms of Jesus. She tried Him for herself. She trusted Him with her life. And now, she’s rejoicing in His presence forever.

Momma…
I’m going to miss you more than words could ever say. But I rejoice knowing you’re no longer in pain, no longer struggling, and no longer searching.