Martha Anne Crawford, age 82, passed peacefully with family at her side on December 31, 2025, at Suncoast Hospice Care Center of Mid-Pinellas. She was born on May 21, 1943, in Lorain, Ohio, to Vernon and Ruth Forrider. Martha was one of seven children, growing up alongside four brothers and two sisters, in a family that shaped her lifelong devotion to love, faith, and service.
A dedicated member of the Salvation Army throughout her life, Martha answered a calling to serve others with humility and grace. She served faithfully as a pastor for 24 years, ministering to communities across the northeastern United States. Following her pastoral service, she continued her mission of compassion through her work with Salvation Army Corrections in Clearwater, Florida for 20 years.
Martha was a loving mother to her four children, and her greatest joy in life was her family. She enjoyed playing games, cooking, reading, crocheting, and spending time with her loved ones. She had a fondness for Elvis, Superman, and the color red. Her playful side shone through in her wonderful silliness— She brought light and laughter wherever she went, turning ordinary moments into cherished memories. She made the world brighter and more joyful just by being in it.
Her gentle and kind spirit was the heart of who she was, and it touched everyone she met. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel cared for and welcome. She always put the needs of others before her own, giving freely of her time, energy, and love. She opened her home to anyone who needed a place to stay, and she opened her heart to anyone who needed a family.
Martha was preceded in death by her mother and father, four of her siblings, her husband, and her son. She is survived by two of her siblings, her three daughters, her eight grandchildren, her six great-grandchildren, and one who is on the way. Beyond her immediate family, Martha embraced a wide and beautiful extended family—many not related by blood, yet loved deeply and unconditionally, just the same.
Martha Anne Crawford leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and unwavering love. Her life was a testament to service, kindness, and the power of a joyful heart. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
She will always be our Mom, our G-Maw, our GG.
12 Responses
What a wonderful , loving tribute to your mom!! BEAUTIFUL❣️
Your mother truly lived as Jesus would like to see all of us live. Such a sweet, kind, caring woman.
We love you, Momma. ♥️
She was always a loving and kind hearted person. My condolences to the family. She will truly be missed.
G ma is the most loving caring person I know. The last time I seen her at largo park for Christmas lights she hugged me and told me how proud she is of the man I’ve become, I told her I couldn’t have made it this far without her. My whole childhood she treated me as if I was her own grandchild. When I had no place to go, she always took me in with no questions asked. She never hesitated and, always made me feel loved. Growing up she used to wake us up super early Sunday mornings and bring us to church service, her faith really stuck with me throughout my life. It’s a big reason why I have my own relationship with Jesus Christ today. I know she’s in heaven smiling down on us all as we continue to grow, and our kids continue to grow I’ll always tell them about my g ma. How much she loved them, and how big of an impact she left with us all. I love you so much g ma! You mean the world to me!
May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her. With love and admiration, to my birthday buddy with the most infectious laugh there ever was.
Martha always treated me as if I was one of her own, although my fiancé Mason wasn’t her grandchild by blood she most definitely treated him as such and immediately welcomed me to the family with open arms. She loved that I called her grandma, always looked forward to seeing me and gave me the best and biggest hugs. I didn’t grow up in a big family so being a part of her wonderful family has meant more than the world to me, she was my only grandma. My favorite memories of her was always coming over to help her whether it be setting up her glorious Christmas village, cooking for thanksgiving, painting her living room, getting to add my name to the family wall, and playing many of board games with her. These memories will carry on with me for the rest of my life, she was a timeless beauty and such an incredible woman. I love you so much grandma, your memory will forever live on.
Without her love, guidance, and generosity, I would not be the man I am today.
I am grateful for all the memories we share. All the hugs, home cooked meals, and games I lost. In moments where I had no where else to go, she opened her door. There’s so much to say about what an amazing woman she was and still is forever in my heart.
I love and miss being around your whole family. You’re mom was one of the most positive persons I’ve ever known. She not only bubbled she overflowed and left some of that Joy with me.
To have known her is to know love. Her kindness and genuine soul left a mark in many lives. My deepest sympathy to all who loved her. May the good memories get you through the tough moments. Rest easy, sweet Martha.
Martha’s forever smile and little chuckle made so many smile back! What a beautiful woman, who served the Lord with gladness. She was so kind and thoughtful, sensible and wise.
May the joyful memories you all have and the prayers for mourning of those around you, bring you comfort and peace.
I have always considered Martha one of my best friends and she will be deeply missed by all that she touched with her laughter and her compassion. My heart reaches out to her family and friends as I know ,that she’ll be truly missed.