Belinda Crawford

"With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Belinda Denise Crawford, who departed this life on March 28, 2025, at the age of 70.

Belinda was born February 18, 1955, in San Antonio, Texas, the eldest of three children. She was raised in Washington, DC, where she laid the foundation for a life of service, faith, and unwavering love. She was a proud graduate of Suitland High School's class of 1973 (as are both of her daughters).

In 1975, Belinda dedicated her life to Christ in a Pentecostal church, beginning a spiritual journey that would define her character and path. She married Edward Parker in 1976 and welcomed their daughter, Angela, in 1977.

Professionally, Belinda began her career in civil service at what is now known as the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Her intelligence and dedication led her to positions as a valued staffer for several U.S. Senators, including Gary Hart, Carl Levin, and Chris Dodd, where she served with distinction.

In 1995, Belinda found love again with William Crawford, whom she married. That same year, she retired from her government career and embraced her role in ministry at VCMI (Victory Church Ministries International) where she was ordained as a minister of the gospel. She served in countless capacities—tailoring pastors' suits, preparing magnificent meals for honored guests, teaching in the school of ministry, volunteering wherever needed, and even planning the first Virtuous Women's Conferences. Her hands were always busy in service to others, helping to lay the foundation of Victory Christian Ministry International.

In 2011, Belinda and William relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, though she briefly returned to the DC area during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to welcome the birth of her grandson—a testament to her devotion as a grandmother.

More than the sum of her accomplishments, Belinda will be remembered for the love she brought into every room. You could always find her with a good cup of coffee and her dog Handsome in tow. Her favorite color was orange— warm, just like her spirit. Belinda was gifted in many things with expansive interests. She was talented with needle and thread, often sewing her own clothes, and had a deep connection to her heritage through her passion for Pan Africanism.

Belinda possessed a deep well of wisdom and always knew precisely what to say to those in need. She was a sister-friend to many, a mother to the motherless, and always showed that love is a verb. She was an anointed teacher, nourishing everyone she encountered with both spiritual and physical sustenance. She brought healing and comfort to all who crossed her path.

Belinda passed after suffering an aneurysm shortly after her birthday. She departed peacefully in hospice care, surrounded by the love of her family. Her legacy lives on through her husband, William Crawford; her daughters, Angela Parker and Brandi Jarrett (and son-in-love Cody Jarrett); her beloved grandchildren, Hero, Quest, Ryan, and Brave; her mother, Yvonne Word; her siblings, Shirley and Samuel Rowlin; and her loyal dog, Handsome. She was preceded in death by her stepfather, James Word.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23" 

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