Lois Crowder

Lois Geanette Perkinson Crowder, 87, passed away December 6th, 2022. She was born in Matoaca, Virginia on October 30,1935 to parents, Clifton and Ruby Perkinson.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, Bernard “Baby Chick” Crowder; son, Bernard “Scrappy” Crowder; sisters, Agnes Orton (Edgar), and identical twin Lola Garnette Savage; and sisters-in-law, Mary Perkinson and Samantha Perkinson. She is survived by her son, Kermit “Knuck" Crowder (Cathy); daughter, Deborah Crowder Franciscus (Marty); daughter-in-law, Cindy Davis Crowder; brothers, Floyd Perkinson and Warren Perkinson; sisters, Ruby Leonard (John) and Helen Cain (Bobby); brother-in-law, Jimmy Savage; six grandchildren, Jamie Patten (Michael), Jason Crowder (Sherri), Brandon Franciscus, Bradley Franciscus (Crystal), Courtney Ewick (Thor), and Catlin Tomlin (Brandon); ten great-grandchildren and one on the way, Savannah, Blain, Braydon, Breanna, Makinlee, Parker, Chase, Banks, Levi, Bodie, and baby girl Tomlin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Special thank you to Melba Mason for her care and friendship with Mama. Geanette was a lifelong member of Matoaca United Methodist Church where she served faithfully. She loved her church family and friends dearly. She grew up in Dinwiddie with her six siblings, working in the fields on their farm growing tobacco and peanuts, a hard worker for sure.  After marrying, Geanette continued to work hard raising three children, sewing all their clothes on a pedal Singer sewing machine. Geanette worked at Seward luggage for many years, retiring to care for her grandchildren, taking and picking them up to and from school, doctor appointments, she was there for her grandchildren. Geanette worked until she was 81 years old, a testament to her working ethic and devotion. She retired after 20 plus years at Ettrick Elementary Cafe where all the children called her “Granny”. She loved to feed the children. Many days and weekends were spent on Lake Chesdin in a homemade house boat built by Baby Chick and dancing with Baby Chick when dancing was actually an art.  Others were spent at their place on the Chesapeake Bay, fishing and crabbing. Geanette could not even swim but she got in boats anyway. The trips they took to Maine to see her twin sister and spend time together was one of her greatest joys. We could not have asked for a more feisty and funny Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother.  We will miss her dearly and treasure all her little funny sayings. We will miss you calling us Sugarlump and Doll Baby. You were one of a kind and so loved.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Matoaca United Methodist Church, 6301 River Road, South Chesterfield, Virginia 23803.  Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Matoaca United Methodist Church in memory of Lois Geanette Crowder.  Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.