Serving Families in Their Time of Sorrow

Reverend D. LaVel Crawford (February 21, 1963 – June 8, 2021)

Reverend D. LaVel Crawford

Visitation: Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Visitation Time: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Visitation Location: Postell’s Mortuary Chapel
811 North Powers Drive
Orlando, Florida

Service Date: Thursday, June 17, 2021
Service Time: 10:00 AM
Service Location: St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church
1968 Bruton Boulevard
Orlando, Florida

Obituary:

Reverend D. LaVel Crawford, 58, of Oklahoma City, transitioned from labor to reward on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Reverend Crawford was born on February 21, 1963 in Ocala, FL to the late Frank E. and Elsie B. Crawford. Dana spent his childhood in the country (Kendrick, FL) with his grandfather Herbert “Dee” Brown. If Dana wasn’t riding horses, he’d be running with his posse of uncles, cousins, and sister all over Ocala. If he was lonesome, however, one could experience Dana’s focus on and love for music. He started playing the trombone in middle school, then fell in love with the drums at Forest High School. His musical accomplishments included travel to Ecuador through membership in the All-American High School Marching Band and a seat with the Central Florida Community College Symphony. Dana’s creativity extended with his rise as a staff photographer for the Forest High School yearbook. True talent and hard work then followed him to the historic Florida A&M University, where he became a section leader and a Drum Major for the incomparable “Marching 100”.

He later met and married the former Stephanie Henderson, and to this union six beautiful children where born, Dana Jr, Tangiere, Christin, Chelsea, Morgan and Jessica (deceased). He was a devoted husband and father. There were countless cruise vacations, family trips across the country, and even a daring sky-diving trip.

Reverend Dana was called to the ministry in 1992. His invaluable lessons touched the lives of many members and visitors of Mount Pleasant AME Church, Fruitland Park, FL; Greater Mount Olive AME Church, Merritt Island, FL; Mount Zion AME Church, Oakland, FL; Mount Moriah AME Church, Cocoa, FL; and Bethel AME Church, Little Rock, AR. He served as the District Secretary of the Daytona Beach District, Conference Secretary of the Orlando Florida Conference and Statistician for the Central Florida Conference. Dana also served as a board member of the Anvil Development Corporation and as an advisory board member of the Orlando Neighborhood Improvement Corporation. Dana was also a proud member of the NAACP and, most recently, the 12th District accountant.

Dana traveled to Africa twice, where he participated Evangelism Crusades covering three countries. He served as section leader of the Street Evangelism for the Department of Church Growth and Development of the AME Church. During his tenure in the 11th Episcopal District, he was recognized as Pastor of the Year for the Young People’s Division. While serving at Mount Moriah, he was recognized for his leadership amongst the business leaders in the August 2010 edition of “Space Coast Magazine” in Brevard County, Florida.

Humbled by the opportunity, Dana and his family gratefully accepted the transfer and appointment to serve as Senior Pastor at Avery Chapel AME Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in November 2014. The motto Dana carried with him, to “Equip and Empower People for Victorious Living” became a major tool he used to guide countless souls to the ever- open door of Christ. Gaining the love and respect from many, Dana’s light became a strong, gravitational pillar for every community he served.

While serving at Avery Chapel, expanded ministries were formed such as a Community Block Party, an After School Feeding Program, Partnership with Regional Food Bank, Avery Community Outreach, and a working relationship with ministers of all denominations.

After a five-year battle with cancer, Dana breathed his last breath and put on his new robe of glory. His ministry and legacy will live on in the hearts of his devoted wife of 34 years, First Lady Mrs. Stephanie Crawford; beloved children, Dana Jr., Christin, Tangiere, Chelsea and Morgan, the entire Crawford family, colleagues, past and present congregations he served, sons and daughters in the ministry, and numerous friends. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 from 4-7PM at the mortuary. A service of celebration will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2021, 10:00 AM at St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1968 Bruton Boulevard, Orlando with Pastor Terence R. Gray I, officiating and the Right Reverend Samuel L. Green, Sr., eulogist. Interment: Highland Memorial Park, Ocala, FL.

18 Comments

  • Edward and Harriet Birk Posted June 14, 2021 11:04 pm

    May God give you strength during this difficult time. My favorite memory of Rev, Dana is his singing the song “Safe In His Arms” from the recording at St. Mark. It was so inspirational and he sang it with such fervor. Take comfort in the knowledge that he is there now with the Master. Cherish your precious memories.

  • Felicia Davis Posted June 15, 2021 4:11 pm

    Truly a man of God, devoted husband and father. He was caring and loving to everyone, no one was a stranger to him. My heart goes out to the family as you could see the love and devotion between he and First Lady Stephanie Crawford. You all are in my prayers!!

  • AVERY CHAPEL AME CHURCH Posted June 16, 2021 2:45 pm

    On behalf of the Officers and Members of Avery Chapel AME Church, Oklahoma City, we send our love and condolences to First Lady Stephanie Crawford, Dana Jr., Tangiere, Christin, Chelsea, Morgan and the extended Crawford family on the loss of our beloved Pastor, Rev. D. Lavel Crawford, Sr. Avery Chapel is greater because of his leadership. We will forever continue the motto his established “Equipping Families, Empowering People, and Serving the Community.” We love you family!

  • Pat Thomas Posted June 16, 2021 2:55 pm

    To the family, I send my love. Pastor C was a great man and will be missed., Give your prayers to God and know that He is with you always.

  • Evs Marie Thomas Posted June 16, 2021 3:31 pm

    Prayers are with the family. Safe travels

  • Betty Wilson and Family Posted June 16, 2021 3:52 pm

    Sending our condolences to the Crawford Family. Pastor Crawford ‘s ministry, leadership and mentorship will be irreplaceable in the Oklahoma City metro. . Prayers to the family..

  • Toye Hamilton Posted June 16, 2021 4:00 pm

    Sending much love to the first family of Avery Chapel. May God continue to keep and comfort you. Pastor will continue to be loved and appreciated for his teaching, guidance, and love of the Lord. Praying for your safe travels.

  • Keith Gamble-Vaughns Posted June 16, 2021 5:47 pm

    To the Crawford family, I would likr to express my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to you all. Im praying for your strength and comfort. May the Bless and Keep you.
    ” We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” 2 Corinthians 5:8

  • Marie M Peterson Posted June 16, 2021 6:56 pm

    Sending much love and prayers. We’re going to miss you, Rev. Crawford.

  • Erica Fitzhugh-Tollette Posted June 16, 2021 6:58 pm

    This is such a great loss. He was an awesome shepherd. I am greatful for having been a member of Bethel AME Church when he was pastor there. I am keeping the Crawford family in my prayers.

  • Michelle KT Moulden Posted June 16, 2021 10:45 pm

    My Pastor, Brother and beloved friend. Praying for the Crawford family, who will always have a place in the hearts of our family. God is with you.

  • Cheryl Bollar Posted June 17, 2021 11:31 am

    The Officers and Members of the Oklahoma Conference Lay Organization wish to extend our heartfelt prayers and send God’s blessings to Sister Stephanie and the entire Crawford family during this very trying time. But this too shall pass. Continue to look to the hills from where your help comes. Rev. Crawford loved the Lay and the Lay loved Rev. Crawford.

  • Laceta Leonard Posted June 17, 2021 1:21 pm

    I bring you greeting as a friend and classmate of Rev D. LaVel Crawford. May the peace of God be with the entire Crawford family, friends, colleagues in the gospel and congregations for days to come. Hoping that the treasured memories bring comfort day by day. Praying God’s blessing over Lady Stephanie and the children. Allow the Lord to be your Shepherd and strong tower today and every day. May hope and peace fill your hearts, may the sun shine after the rain, may the memories of Rev. Crawford fill your heart and ease the pain. Sending my love. Sincerely, Laceta

  • Laceta Leonard Posted June 17, 2021 1:22 pm

    To the Crawford family, I bring you greeting as a friend and classmate of Rev D. LaVel Crawford. May the peace of God be with the entire Crawford family, friends, colleagues in the gospel and congregations for days to come. Hoping that the treasured memories bring comfort day by day. Praying God’s blessing over Lady Stephanie and the children. Allow the Lord to be your Shepherd and strong tower today and every day. May hope and peace fill your hearts, may the sun shine after the rain, may the memories of Rev. Crawford fill your heart and ease the pain. Sending my love. Sincerely, Laceta

  • Jacqueline Bailey and Family Posted June 17, 2021 2:22 pm

    Condolences to the Crawford family you are all loved and Rev Dana will be missed I remember when we used to sing in the choir together good times and proud to know and have been blessed to know all of you may God bless and be with you forever and always only God knows best and in time we heal but thankful for all memories we have of Dana blessings and love to all.

  • Eartha Daniel Posted June 19, 2021 4:51 pm

    Sending prayers and love to the entire Crawford family! Forever in our hearts!

  • Verdie Lewis Posted June 25, 2021 1:00 pm

    Heartfelt Sympathy from my family to yours. May the Peace of God Sustain you and your family during your period of Grief. Rev. Verdie B Lewis & Pastor Aaron Thomas Lewis, Sr.

  • .Adam Green Posted August 15, 2022 1:08 pm

    Pastor Crawford served in ministry and interestingly we became acquainted during a men’s prayer meeting at St. Mark, Orlando, and with his service to the 15th and 12th AME districts where he steered the light on discipleship and evangelism. Best regards to Mrs. Stephanie and their children, Continually blessing God for your wisdom.

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