Obituaries

Mary Joanna Horne Crowder

Photo of Mary Joanna Horne Crowder
Mary Joanna Horne Crowder, 84 of Fordyce, Arkansas, died Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at St John's Place in Fordyce. She was born February 4, 1931 in Camden, Arkansas to the late Walter Absalom Horne and Ida Rogers Horne. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jackie W. Crowder. Mrs. Crowder had served as Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church of Fordyce and East Main Baptist Church of El Dorado, Arkansas. She served as a member and past president of Sesame Club. She continued to serve in the music ministry of First Baptist Church, directing choirs and accompanying the church as pianist or organist for over 50 years. Mrs. Crowder was totally dedicated to the study and teaching of the Scriptures and passing the love of Biblical truths to her children, grandchildren and adult Sunday School classes throughout the years. In recent years, Mrs. Crowder continued music and prayer ministry with residents and staff at St. John's Place where she resided. The people there became her extended family whom she treasured. She is survived by one son, Paul W. Crowder of Fordyce; one daughter, Carol Veneman and husband Jimmy of Jackson, Tennessee; grandchildren, Justin and Ashley Veneman of Bartlett, Tennessee, John and Erin Willis of St. Louis, Missouri, and Nathan and Amanda Veneman of Louisville, Kentucky. She was proud to be a great-grandmother to Cole and Norah Veneman of Bartlett and Jack Veneman of Louisville. A memorial service will be Saturday, February 14 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Fordyce. A viewing will be Friday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce, Arkansas. The family will receive friends Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center. Memorials may be made to the Lottie Moon Mission offering, First Baptist Church of Fordyce. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.

Published February 13, 2015

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