Deloris Crenshaw Hargrow

Deloris Crenshaw Hargrow died Tuesday July 28, 2020 in Sentara Leigh Memorial Hospital Norfolk, Virginia

The Final Chapter 

Dearest Darling Daughter, 

I’m addressing this to you because I realize that you are the one who will have to handle this part of my departure and I want to make it as easy for you as I can. No tears, SMILES!! 

Obituaries are better, to me, if we start with the preliminaries. State my birthday, June 6, 1944, in Prince George County, VA – then state my date of death, July 28, 2020. Now relate that a visitation will be held at a place of your choosing with a date and time. Have my funeral on a Saturday because it will be easier for working people who might want to come. Louis A. and Lula B. Crenshaw, deceased, were my parents. 

Take comfort in knowing that my pain and suffering is over. I now understand Paul’s counsel when he wrote, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering and the time of my departure has come. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me on that day…” (Timothy 4:6-8)

Kelli, I cannot adequately describe to you the splendor that I believe I will experience. You have been my greatest accomplishment on this Earth and I am so proud to have been chosen to bring you up in the admonition of God and all the He offers to those who love and look for His appearing. The best of me persists in you and I am eternally grateful for the part your father played – Bless him! Tell my favorite son-in-law, your husband, Dr. Naman, I loved and respected him as a son and my pastor and I appreciate him loving and taking the best care he knew how of you. 

To my grandsons, Christopher and Naman, III, say for me that yes, my life was challenging and rewarding. I experienced great joy as well as profound sadness, which I sometimes did not understand, but which now seems just and complete. I witnessed a lot of history and was satisfied with my portion in my life as I was afforded opportunities that seemed beyond my wildest dreams. I finally can fully attest to the truth spoken by the Lord, “Take my yoke open upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle andhumble in heart and you will find rest for your soul.” The weariness is all gone. Thirty-one years in the U.S. Postal Service – Resting! 

To my brothers, David (Dorothy), John (Josephine), Michael (Alice) and James Aaron (Stephanie) and my sister, Deloris (Carey) and all my other relatives and all my other relatives and friends, thanks for the good times and the bad times for there were plenty of both. Cling to these words of the Savior, “These things have I spoken to you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

I’m sure you noticed I saved my “Dearest Husband” for last. Unusual for an obituary, I know! I’ve always told him of my love and adoration for him. Because of him, my last days were truly greater than my first. Herman picked me from a flower garden and always treated me like a delicate rose. The first five minutes in his presence, he actually claimed me as his own because he said God said I was The One. He was absolutely right! God said it, I believed it and that settled it. Oh, the joy! 

Don’t grieve for me; I grieve not. I no longer have to be concerned with time. I am outside of time and in eternity. My life is not over, it has just begun! Whether I see my mother, my father or one of my brothers who preceded me is not important. Joseph and Howard left the rest of us here to carry on and I must do likewise. So carry on, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might and know that your labor is not in vain. 

Sell the rest of “Mother’s Wit.” Now that I’m gone, they are going to be collector’s items! 

Cherish the Memories,

I love you,

Momma

Memories last a lifetime only if you share them.

On behalf of the family, we encourage you share your personal experiences and preserve the memory of Deloris for future generations to come.

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