Triola Crawford

Mrs. Triola Michelle Ellis-Crawford (affectionately known as "Tree"), was born on July 10, 1967 to the late Mr. Willie James Ellis, Sr., and the former Patricia A. Ellis in Birmingham, Alabama. But on April 26, 1974, God brought another father into her life that loved, nurtured, and led her into a relationship with her Heavenly Father. She confessed Christ at an early age, at the former Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of her daddy, Pastor Willie B. O'Neal. She served the Lord in her youth, and remained active in Vacation Bible School, Bible Study, Sunday School and Nursing Home Missions work until she was given in marriage. As a child, Triola attended Hard Elementary School and Brighton Elementary School, before completing her secondary education at Midfield High School. After graduation, Triola continued her education in Clerical Studies at Herzing Institute in Birmingham, Alabama. Her professional studies afforded her a career working with the Adult Learning Center GED Program. She later went on to be gainfully employed with the Birmingham Public School System at Woodlawn High School and the City of Birmingham's Traffic Division, where she continued her professional development before experiencing health challenges. On June 17, 1988 Triola married the love of her life, Mr. John Crawford. Indeed, it was a match made in heaven. The two enjoyed 24 years of marital bliss. To this union one son was born, and the rest is history. John and Triola were practically inseparable. If ever there were two individuals who were completely sold-out to one another; it was Triola and John. Through every storm, rain, heartache and pain the two of them always had an inexhaustible commitment to each other; even until Triola's untimely death on Friday, October 19th at Shelby Baptist Medical Center. Triola epitomized the spirit of a Proverbs 31 woman, and leaves to celebrate her concerned candor, hilarious humor and jovial spirit, a loving, faithful and devoted husband and caregiver; John Crawford, Sr., one son; John Crawford, Jr., her parents; Drs. Willie B. and Patricia A. O'Neal, mother-in-law; Mrs. Pearlie Crawford, grandmother; Mrs. Eddie Mae Henderson, three sisters; Tracy (Erskine) Daniel, Franchesca (Courtney) Johnson, Pamela Sanders, all of Birmingham, AL, six brothers; Sherman Cole, Willie "Chop" Ellis of Birmingham, AL, William (Bridgette) O'Neal of Fairburn, GA, Patrick (Rachel) Fisher, Dedrick (Alexis) O'Neal, and JaCarlos O'Neal of Birmingham, AL, one sister-in-law; Geneva Crawford, two brothers-in-law; Benny Crawford, Jr., and Samuel Crawford all of Birmingham, AL, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors and church family who will miss her immensely.