Kathryn Crowder, age 81, went Home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. A native of Mitchell County, she was a daughter of the late Aude and Viola Boone Willis. She was preceded in death as well by her loving husband of 49 years, Tom Crowder; her brother, Johnny Willis, and a sister, Betty Boston.
Kathryn loved running the fruit stand she and her husband, Tom, operated together, and loved the company of their regular customers, as well as the new ones she got to know. She also loved going to beach and spending time there. But most of all, she loved her family more than anything in life. She showed them love and was always there for them when they needed her. Losing her has left a terrible void in their lives, but they will carry her memory in their hearts, and have peace in knowing they will see her again someday.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Wayne Crowder (Christy) of Bakersville, Bobby Crowder (Cindi) of Micaville, Pam Hollifield (Greg) of Tennessee, Teresa Robinson (Ricky) of Double Island, and Shannon Crowder (Leigh) of the home; grandchildren: Ronnie Riddle, Jr., Crystal Shuford (Stephen), Litasha Rathburn (Mark), Cody Crowder (Stacey), Whitney Boone (Dustin), Kyle Crowder, and Trey Crowder (Chloe); great-grandchildren: Lyndsey Garland (Colton), Jayden and Derick Shuford, Gunner Webb, Gracie and Baileigh Rathburn, Jonah, Ivalee and Jude Crowder, and Zahariah Huskins; and her very special sister, Margaret Beaver, who brought Kathryn lunch every Sunday.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1st in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Service. Rev. Billy Mitchell will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2nd in the Will Young Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jayden and Derick Shuford, Cody Crowder, Mark Rathburn, Trey Crowder and Dustin Boone.
The family would like to extended special thanks to Holly and Adam, Stephanie, Brittany, Tiffany, Autumn, and Alicia at Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge for the wonderful care given to Kathryn. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
