Mary (Mary Jane) was born March 17, 1939 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the daughter of the late Willie Wilson and Bertha Bogens her loving parents, and one of five children, they both preceded her in death along with two sisters, Delores Adams and Flora Lee Dawson.
Mary Jane accepted Christ at an early age at Shining Light Pentecostal Church in St. Louis, Missouri. She was united in holy matrimony to Willie E. Crowder on June 23, 1956 and they began their life together in St. Louis, Missouri. Their union brought forth seven children: Kimico Henry, Cassandra Crowder, Diane Mends, Willie Crowder, Mary Crowder, Gregory Crowder and Johnathan Crowder.
Mary Jane had three great passions: her husband Willie whom she loved and served for over 50 years, her children whom she loved and tried to take care of even in their adulthood and even as she sat immobile at Christian Care Home. Her third greatest passion was all the family and friends and anyone she could help. Mary loved to give and would give everything she had to whomever she felt had a greater need. Mary worked for over 20 years as a lead cook at Normandy Orthopedic Hospital. She loved to cook and everyone that knew her was soon blessed with experiencing some of her delicious soul food.
Mary Jane departed this earth on Monday, February 16, 2015. She leaves behind: five children, her sister Josephine and her brother Arthur; twenty grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, two sons-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
If you are feeling sad right now please just remember her warm smiles and gifts of love and sacrifice.