Bernadette Cabrini (Gambrell) Crawford

Bernadette Gambrell Crawford was the daughter of the late James D. and Velma Rucker Gambrell. She grew up in Anderson, South Carolina with her siblings Dennis and Donna Gambrell. Bernadette was reared by her grandparents the late Chesso and Emma Williams Rucker.

While growing up in Anderson, she met the love of her life, Jeffrey Crawford in the summer of 1974. Bernadette graduated from T.L. Hanna High School in 1975. Her classmates Pam, Wanda Faye, Linda, Beverly, Deborah and Christie became her endearing friends. This sisterhood formed a bond that supported each other throughout life's milestones.

Bernadette continued her education at the historic Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She joined the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc in 1979 in the Mu Pi Chapter as a charter member. It was at Spelman where she met her roommate and lifelong friend, Andrea Faires. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Bernadette moved to Greenville, South Carolina where she began her teaching career.

In July of 1983, Bernadette and Jeffrey Crawford married in their hometown, Anderson, South Carolina. They had two sons together, Alvin Jeffrey and Brandon Rashad Crawford. In 1989 the family moved to Maryland where Bernadette cared for her mother.

Bernadette was dedicated to the value of education. She taught and mentored in schools, the community and in her church. Bernadette taught in the Prince George's School System for over 25 years.

Bernadette was an active member and servant of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Jeffrey and children Alvin and Brandon Crawford. She will be missed by grandchildren Savannah and Zion Crawford, siblings Dennis and Donna, nieces Lea Chanay and Imani, nephew Cameron, Aunt Deanna and cousins Jimmy and Ivan. Bernadette is loved and her presence will be missed by all who knew her. She will live in our hearts forever.

Graveside services will be held Saturday February 12, 2022, at 12 Noon at Westview Cemetery. 

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