Helen R. Crowder

Helen Louise Roberts Crowder, 94, passed away in South Asheville on November 25th. A native of Buncombe County, she was the daughter of the late Ester Ervin and Bertie Robinson Roberts. Her husband of sixty five years, Olfa Crowder, also preceded her in death. Following graduation from Red Oak High School, she attended Mars Hill College and graduated from Women's College, now UNC-Greensboro, in 1937 with an A.B. Degree in Primary Education. She was a teacher at Red Oak, Haw Creek and Candler schools. She also taught school in Jacksonville, Florida while her husband, whom she married in 1939, was stationed there with the Navy during World War II. She was a member of Montmorenci United Methodist Church where she was the church organist and directed Bible School for many years. Helen has served as president of the Montmorenci United Methodist Women, was a Girl Scout leader for several years, was a member of the Hammond Organ Club and was a member of the Alpha Conclave of Kappa Kappa Iota teachers' sorority where she served in the capacity of local, state and national offices. Surviving are her two sons, William Roberts Crowder and wife Janet Irvin Crowder, of Mont Vernon, New Hampshire and Dr. Julian Anthony Crowder and wife Paula Herda Crowder of Arden. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Paige Covert and her husband, Bill, of Dover, New Hampshire, Robin Durawa and her husband, Matt, of New York, New York, Ryan Crowder and his wife, Andreza, of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, Heidi Crowder of Asheville and Winston Crowder of Arden. Great-grandchildren are Molly and Will Durawa, Charles and Pearce Covert and Samuel Crowder. Also considered part of her extended family are Matt and Courtney Silva and their children Alexis and Carter of Dover, New Hampshire. An educator at heart, she was concerned about providing better education for all students and the impact she made as a teacher touched the lives of many. When asked how she would like to be remembered, she replied, "As one who has been instrumental in establishing principles and values to the children with whom I have come in contact." She will always have a special place in our hearts. Helen was an active volunteer in community affairs and especially enjoyed her service at Aston Park Hospital and Deerfield Retirement Community. She sincerely cherished her family and entertaining friends at her home. Of all the gifts that Helen gave to her children and grandchildren, the most precious ones were her enthusiasm for life, her kindness, her generosity and her infinite capacity to accept and love each and every one. A celebration of Helen's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Revs. Frank and Mary Gordon officiating. Entombment will follow at Lewis Memorial Park. Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home and request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the children's department or the music department of Montmorenci United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 610, Candler, North Carolina 28715.