Mary Pauline (Embry) Crawford

CRAWFORD, Mary Pauline Embry, went to be with the Lord on July 3, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Beckham and Ethel Embry; three sisters, Dorothy Lindsey, Ruby and Catherine Embry; four brothers, Joe, Robert, Earl, and Jim Embry; her husband of 75 years, Edward Crawford; a son, Edward Crawford, Jr.; a daughter, Rebecca Crawford Hardy; and her grandson, Jody Crawford.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her daughters; Debbie Burdette (Mike), Kathy Guier (Ben),  and Tammy Jones (Rick); son-in-law, Bert Hardy; fourteen grandchildren, Jason (Annie), Miranda, Chris, Isaac, Eddie, Amber (Tyson), Trisha, Mandy (Brett), Nathan (Sabrina), Sam (Lisa), Nick (Beth), Colby, Talia (James), and Chelsea (Matt); twenty one great-grandchildren, Lexi, Amelia (James), Bree, Courtney (Cody), Rachel, Lydia, Malachi, Gideon, Silas, Roman, Riley, Eleanor, Embry, Mason, Madelyn, Avery, Sterling, Elliette, Brayden, Kyler, and Brynlee; eight great-great-grandchildren, Ellie, James, Sophia, Mason, Andrew, Cason, Soloman, and Saria; two sisters-in-law, Martha Christian and Reba Crawford; and many, many nieces and nephews.

Pauline was born in Louisville, Kentucky on November 14, 1929. She loved reading at a young age and looked out for her brothers (especially Joe, who had cerebral palsy). She had her first job at 13, working as a waitress at a drugstore soda fountain. She told many stories about her dog, Punk, about riding the streetcar (trolley) to work, and many more. She met the love of her life, Ed, and married him at 18. Together they raised 5 children, and enjoyed 15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Pauline was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a wonderful seamstress and cook. Her home was a warm and inviting respite for all who visited; always full of games, puzzles, conversation, laughter, and of course, great food. Her children and grandchildren will always treasure the memories of fun and happy family gatherings, especially the holidays! She loved her Lord, Jesus Christ, and enjoyed sharing bible scriptures. She spent her life caring, not only for her family, but for all who came within her reach. Pauline was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew her! We will cherish her memory until we are reunited in Heaven.

The family will receive friends from 10 – 11 am on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Parkway, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Hanover Memorial Park. Family and friends are all welcome to attend a luncheon reception at the funeral home following the interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse, St. Jude, Wounded Warrior Project, or the American Heart Association, as these were some of their favorites. 

The family would also like to express a special thank you to all of Pauline’s personal caregivers and her Hospice team. Thank you for caring for our mom (and Grandma) with love, kindness, and compassion. You are truly angels, and we couldn’t have made it without you! We love you!

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.