Gloria Jean Crawford
“Pudden”
Gloria Jean Crawford was born January 8, 1959 in Wynne, Arkansas, to Fred Douglas and Elsia
Lee (Cotton) Riley. Affectionately called “Pudden” by family and friends, Gloria attended Childress
Elementary School and graduated from Wynne High School. Her extracurricular activities
included cheerleading. Gloria furthered her education by attending Arkansas State University.
As a youngster, Glora accepted Christ as her savior. She was a faithful and active member of
Union Valley Missionary Baptist Church in Arkansas throughout her childhood. Given her love
for music and her unusual musical talent, it was no surprise that she found great joy and
satisfaction through her involvement in the music ministry of the church.
Gloria had a magnetic personality. Having once met her, you could never forget her humor,
generosity and her compassionate spirit. She liked to laugh and enjoy life, treasuring every
moment. If a loved one needed assistance in any way, she could be counted on to do whatever
she could to make the situation better. She had a heart of gold and was always ready with a
kind word and listening ear. Gloria will be remembered for her skill in the kitchen. She enjoyed
preparing mouthwatering dishes for family and friends to enjoy. She loved to shop and was
known as the “QVC Queen”, never tiring of seeking good deals on merchandise and counting
down the days to its arrival. An adventurous individual, she also enjoyed traveling, whether to
visit family and friends or explore locales she had never seen. In 1982, Gloria was united in
marriage to Frank Crawford, and that union was blessed with three children.
While residing in Wynne, Arkansas, Gloria was employed as a cook at Kelly’s. Upon moving to
Rochester, New York, she obtained work in environmental services with Monroe Community
Hospital, retiring after 21 years of faithful service.
Having transitioned her earthly life on April 14, 2026, Gloria is predeceased by her son, Franklin
D. Crawford; grandson, Deonte J. Crawford; her parents, Fred Douglas and Elsia L. Riley;
sisters: Pearlie Randolph, Betty Randall, and Linda Riley; brothers: Frederick J. Riley, Jerry
Riley, and Terry “Duck” Riley.
Gloria Jean Crawford leaves to cherish her memory: her significant other, Clinton “Kenny”
Thurman; children: Mandrick L. Crawford and Piper N. Crawford; grandchildren: Tatiyana,
Samiya, Jonathan, Makai, and Dellavontay Crawford, Janiah Session, Kalena Cash, Daryle
Cash Jr., Franklin Crawford Jr., Darnari and Frantae Crawford, and Jelun Dixion; great-
grandchildren: Londyn Douglas, Jasiyon Douglas, and Nialanii Edwards; siblings: Herman
(Joyce) Riley, Flora (Charles) Spinks, Elizabeth (Major) Nauden, Joyce (Willie) Allen, Elisa
Jewell Collins, Sharon Jackson, and Sandra (Keith) Riley; a host of nieces and nephews, aunts
and uncles: Rebecca Echols, Keresia Smith, Candis Collins, Mildred Cotton, and Katherine
Raymond. She also leaves a host of friends, including special friends: Lisha Riley (“bestie”), Ms.
Minnie Grey, and Ronnie Mann.
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The word of God gives us comfort in knowing “to be absent from the body is to present with the Lord.” My continued prayers will be with you during this time of transition. My God give you peace and comfort at this time and the days to come. I will forever remember the presence and gentleness of Ms. Gloria. My she rest in the care of the Lord.
Sending our deepest condolences to our family The Riley Family we love you and will keep you lifted up in prayer 🙏🏽 🙏🏽✝️✝️
I am going to miss aunt Puddin in her voice I am always be in the family
My deepest sympathy in the loss of our dear “Pudden” Let’s hold the memories of her in our hearts. Praying for her children, grandchildren and our family.
Sorry for your loss we remember pudden here in Wynne, my sister Deborah remember her also we are praying for strength and comfort to your family God bless you all
I would like to send my condolences to the family of my special friend Gloria Crawford. She was truly a special person. God continue to hold you guys in his arms and comfort you in your time of grief.
Sending love, hugs and prayers to the children, grandchildren and Riley family. Pudden was the sweetest person you’d ever want to meet. She definitely had the Riley spirit and always smiling. Hugs n Love family, love y’all.
Sending my deepest prayers and condolences to my son’s paternal family during this time of loss. I know how important she was in my child’s life and in the legacy of his father, Franklin Crawford.
I truly believe God reunites loved ones beyond this life, and it brings comfort to know she is now resting in His presence and reunited with her son again. Praying that the Lord surrounds this family with peace, strength, and healing, and that her love continues to live on through the generations she helped shape. 🙏🏽🕊️
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Puddin ‘was a rare and beautiful soul, a woman whose life was a gift of love, compassion, and warmth to everyone blessed to know her. She brought laughter into every room, comfort to every heart, and strength to her family through every season of life. As a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished grandmother, and a treasured sister-in-law, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and grace that will never be forgotten.
Her love for her family and friends was boundless, and her presence made life brighter, gentler, and more joyful. Though her passing leaves an ache that words cannot fully express, the memory of her laughter, her tenderness, and her unwavering care will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
My deepest sympathy go out to you and your family.