Renolda “Pat” Crawford, 86, passed away surrounded by her family on Sept. 18, 2015. She was resident of Bogalusa, since 1948.

She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Edward Patterson; her mother, Emma Lee Hyde; her husband, Ernest Elbert Crawford; her sister, Edwadean Patterson Boone; and her great-granddaughter, Megan Crawford.

She is survived by five children, including Carmen Mizell (Fred), Richard Crawford (Gail), Kathy Crain (Ricky), Susan Crawford (Greg Harris), and Joanne Smith (James). She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren who were the greatest joy of her life. Additionally, she is survived by her sisters, Thanie McKinnon, Juanita Hooper, Margie Weeks, Lynda Simmons, Edith Sue Cronin, Elizabeth Volcansek; and her brother, George Patterson.

After coming to Bogalusa, she worked as a legal secretary for many years. She also served as city clerk of court, leaving to care for her husband during his illness.

Her lifetime worship of God included regular attendance of church, and she was a member of First Baptist Church. Not only did she teach Sunday School, but led one of the outreach ministries of the church. Pat’s belief in the Lord drove her daily decisions as a parent and her service to others.

Following the death of her husband, Bert, she answered the call of the Lord and became a licensed chaplain. Pat served her community as a volunteer chaplain for 10 years at Bogalusa Community Medical Center. She was especially interested in grief work and established an AIDS support group.

She furthered her education and graduated with a B.A. from New Orleans Theological Seminary in 1996. Her teaching and main philosophy for life came straight from God’s Word: “Love the Lord with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.” We celebrate her life and will never forget her favorite song, “Count Your Blessings.” Whatever comes your way, look closely and remember Pat’s words, “No matter how bad things seem God is still blessing you.”

Visitation will be in the chapel at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 23, beginning at 10 a.m., until time for the funeral service at 2 p.m. The Rev. Greg Whaley and the Rev. Micah Collins will be officiating. Interment will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens.

To view and sign the register book, visit online at pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.