John Henry Crowder

MR. JOHN HENRY CROWDER, 77 of MONROE, NC died Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.  A Celebration of his Life and Legacy will be held 2pm Friday, March 14, 2014 at Central United Methodist Church, 801 S. Hayne St., Monroe, NC 28112 with Visitation 1pm to 2pm prior to the service, Interment with full military honors will follow in Lakeland Memorial Park, 1901 Lancaster Avenue in Monroe, NC 28112.  A public viewing will be held 11am to 7pm Thursday, March 13, 2014 at Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Monroe, NC.

Mr. Crowder was born in Anson County, NC Wednesday, March 25, 1936 the middle child of the late Henry Mae Crowder and Eva Mae Staton Crowder. He was reared in a family that shared love faith and was taught to be a strong, hardworking family man. Mr. Crowder spent his childhood in the Meltonville Baptist Church where he was nurtured in the faith, he was a graduate of West Deep Creek High School and later served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged with a Good Conduct Metal in 1961.

Mr.Crowder moved to Monroe, NC in 1961 and was introduced to his future "Bride", Minney Massey Crowder their love would span 52 wonderful years ending with his death on their Wedding Anniversay (March 9th).  He spent many years as an Insurance Agent in the Monroe area and he began his career with the Belk's Store Corporation, he was a Buyer in Belk's Store Services and was later relocated to the Monroe Store as Divisional Manager, his career with Belk's spanned 25 years with his retirement in 1993. After retirement, he spent 5 years in Security at Presbyterian / Novant Hospital Matthews, NC.

John was selected in 1981 to fill the unexpired term of Jane Thomas on the Monroe City School Board.  He became the first African American Member of that body in its 85 year History.  He remained with that Board until the Monroe City and Union County School System merged in 1993 and then he became the represenative for District 1 where he served until his untimely death. Mr. Crowder was dedicated to the children of Union County and desired that all children would receive an equal and quality education, he hoped that every child that left the schools of this great county would be able to compete in any arena of life because they have been prepared for the Journey.  In his 31 year career in School Board Administration, he was honored many times on the State Level for his dedication and service to Public Education.  There are many proud moments in his public service life but he was very proud of the JROTC programs in the UCPS schools and the sports facilities built at Monroe High School where he advocated for the additions.  Mr. Crowder was serving on the Curriculum and Policy Committess.  He served as the Liaison for the City of Monroe, Quality Leadership Council and the Union County Job Ready Partnership and serving 10 years on the North Carolina School Board Association Board of Directors and on the North Carolina Charter School Commision.  For 31 years, Mr. Crowder  attended every graduation for the Schools in his District (Monroe / Forest Hills) in order to support the parents and students that had reached that  milestone in their life.  He always made sure that the School Board was represented in the local Christmas and Martin Luther King Parades. Mr. Crowder not only served on the School Board but had previosly served as a member of the Monroe City Planning Board and the Board of Directors of the local chapter of the American Red Cross and also currently a member of "A Few Good Men" of Monroe, NC , The Union County Democratic Party and a member of the Marshville Masonic Lodge Chapter 270 (PHA), Marshville, NC.

Mr. Crowder was faithful to his Lord and Savior and was a member of the Langford Chapel CME Church since 1974.  He served as a Trustee and has spent  the last 25 years as the Chairman, he also was a member of the Sunday School Department, the Pastor's Aid, the Lay Council and past member of the Men's Choir.

Mr. Crowder loved his family and was a great supporter and strenght for them in any circumstance, he will longed be remenbered for his jovial spirit, his kind heart and loving arms. We could count on our Daddy, Grand Daddy, Paw Paw, Uncle John, Cousin, Brother for everything. Our lives have changed forever, he was preceded in death by his Parents; son; DeForest; sister; Roseann;two brothers; Donald Wayne and Edward.

He leaves to cherish fond and loving memories with his "Bride", Minnie Massey Crowder of the home; one daughter that loved her "Sweet Daddy"  Faye Eva Crowder-Phillips ( Wayne) of Monroe, NC; two Grandchildren that he adored; Minnie Chastain Olden, (AJ) and Jonathan Wayne Phillips; two Great-grandchildren that captured his heart; Jayden Caron Olden and Zion Faye Olden; two sisters; Jearlean Crowder Polk (James) of Peachland, NC  and Eva Grace Crowder Forrest (Mitchell) of Seat Pleasant, MD his nieces and nephews who he will always remember "jumping like a little rabbit on his knee; Marie Page (Daniel), Marcus Crowder, Valeria Robertson (Kevin), Ronnie Moseley, Marilyn Crowder, Johnathan Crowder (Jeannie), Michael Forrest (Kristin), Beverly  Forrest, Tacha Crowder and Reverend Angie McKinley.  He was loved by our extended family member Dr. Anita Scott Wilson and her girls Mycah and Keena and his great nieces and nephews, cousins and many family and friends. "Miss Sparkle" our dog will   miss her Paw Paw too.