Joan Verdene Harris Crawford-Grayson, 70, passed away Friday, August 5, 2011 at St. Vincent Health Center.

She was born in Erie, Pa., on June 16, 1941, daughter of the late Glenn Daniel Harris and Hattie B. Allen Harris.

A lifelong resident of Erie, she was employed as a pre-school teacher's assistant for 15 years at Blessed Hope Day Care (38th and State Streets), at the Erie County Housing Authority for four years and as a secretary at GECAC for two years. She was a member of Community Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Missionary and Mothers' Boards and sang in the choir. Her love of singing began early as she sang in the Acappella Choir at Academy High School, and with the Heritage Ensemble and the Interdenominational Community Choir. She was also a baton twirler for the Booker T. Washington Center. Joan enjoyed QVC (television) shopping, cooking and anything pertaining to crafts. She made hats, sweaters and crocheted rugs. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Lee Willie Crawford; her second husband, Matthew Grayson; a son, Kevin Crawford; four brothers, Glenn A. Harris, Eugene R. Harris, Sr., Karl E. Harris and Kenneth P. Harris, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Leslie Barney and husband Gregory of Erie; three sisters, Janice A. Harris (Nathaniel) Epps, Marlene A. Harris Williams and Wilma C. Harris (Kevin) Vactor, all of Erie; an aunt, Elsie Jethroe of Erie; three grandchildren, Wayne A. Newsome, Jr., Gregory A. Barney, Jr., Alan G. Barney,; two great-grandchildren, Ryion Taylor and Alana Newsome; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday (today), 4 to 8 p.m., at Community Missionary Baptist Church, 1001 German St., and may attend a service at the church on Wednesday, 11 a.m., conducted by Rev. Herlis Murphy. Interment in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Funeralization by Law Funeral Home, 2926 Pine Ave.