Obituary of Phillip Anthony Crowson, Sr.

Albany, NY- Phillip Anthony Crowson, Sr., 68, of Albany, peacefully entered eternal rest surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday October 7, 2015 at Albany Stratton VA Medical Center. Born in Graham, NC on September 24, 1947, Phil was the third of five children born to Leo Talmadge Crowson and Agnes Margaret Holt. He was educated in the Alamance County School System and shortly after his high school graduation he voluntarily enlisted in the Armed Forces of the United States. Phil heroically served in the Vietnam war and was a decorated Army soldier having received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Sharp Shooter M-14. He also served in Germany. While in the army Phil had a very special pen pal who became the love of his life and future wife, Valeber Ruth McLaughlin. They married on September 6, 1969 in Waynesboro, MS and to this union 2 children were born, Phillip Anthony Crowson, Jr. and Pamela Marie Crowson. Having lived in Graham, NC, Waynesboro, MS and Mobile, AL, Phil decided to give the north a try and relocated to Albany, NY in 1974. He worked many labor intensive jobs including working over 25years as a plant supervisor at BASF, a chemical manufacturing plant located in Rensselaer, NY. When he wasn’t working Phil enjoyed watching army movies, westerns, the history channel and mysteries. He loved to sing and was a valuable member in many bands including the gospel band Northern Stars. He even once sung with Archie Bell and The Drells. Phil loved to laugh and joke, had a special love for hats, watches and pocket knives, but most importantly he loved the Lord and his faith in God was strong. “God’s been good to me”, we can still hear him say. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 46 years, Valeber Ruth Crowson; 2 children, Phillip Crowson, Jr and Pamela Harris (Crowson) of Albany; 5 grandchildren Jahquin Brown, of the Navy Norfolk,VA, Janysia Crowson of Schenectady , Aminah McGill of Philadelphia, PA, Shaquillah Crowson of Schenectady, and Elijah Crowson of Troy; 2 great grandchildren, Dante Crowson and Noah Henry of Schenectady; 6 step-grandchildren, Jazmin Nabors, Jada Nabors, Totia Harris, Iya Harris, Rayquan Harris, Destiny Harris of Troy; 2 step-greatchildren, Jahmel Thomas, Jr and Iya Harris, Jr of Troy; 1 God daughter, LauShonda Harris of Albany; 3 brothers, Leo Morris Crowson (Novella), William Larry Crowson (Joan), and Emmanuel Lee Crowson of Graham, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Phil is preceded in death by his parents Leo Talmadge and Agnes Margaret, and his brother Donald Ervin Crowson (Glenda) of Graham, NC. A Memorial Service celebrating Phil’s life will be held at 6PM on Tuesday October 20, 2015 at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 269 Spruce St., Albany, NY. Phil’s final resting place, where he will receive full military honors surrounded by his loved ones, will be at the Saratoga National Cemetery, located at 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY. Committal services will take place at 10AM on Wednesday October 21, 2015. In lieu of flowers, please donate to National Kidney Foundation in Phillip’s honor at www.kidney.org. With confidence, the family has entrusted arrangements to: Simple Choices, Inc. Cremation Service. Please express your condolences to the Crowson Family here on this memorial tribute.