CAROLYN CROWE

A Life Rooted in Love, Faith, and Family

On May 4, 1955, a beautiful life began when Carolyn Crowe was born at McKeesport Hospital in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to Ralph Groce Jr. and Leutisha Buckman. From her earliest days, Carolyn was surrounded by a rich heritage of faith, love, and family. She was lovingly nurtured and raised by her grandparents, Pastor Ralph Groce Sr. and Supervisor Bernice C. Groce, along with her father, Ralph Groce Jr., and Elizabeth Moore Groce in Clairton, Pennsylvania.

Carolyn spent her formative years in the Homewood community of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she attended Pittsburgh Public Schools before graduating from Wilkinsburg High School. Even in her youth, Carolyn demonstrated the intelligence, determination, and strength of character that would become hallmarks of her extraordinary life.

On February 5, 1972, Carolyn was united in holy matrimony to Ronald S. Crowe Sr. Their union was blessed with two children, Ronald S. Crowe Jr. and Tarryn Harris. Throughout her life, Carolyn embraced the responsibilities of marriage and motherhood with love, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to her family.

A Woman of Accomplishment, Intelligence, and Excellence

Carolyn was a woman of remarkable intelligence, ambition, and professional distinction. Her determination, exceptional work ethic, and pursuit of excellence opened doors and afforded her opportunities throughout her distinguished career.

She was employed by Westinghouse Electric Company, where she excelled as a Senior Paralegal. In this position, Carolyn supervised a team of professionals and traveled extensively throughout the East Coast, assisting in preparing litigators for some of the nation’s most challenging legal cases. Her keen analytical mind, meticulous attention to detail, and extensive knowledge of the law earned her the respect and admiration of those with whom she worked.

Her professional journey also included serving as an Executive Assistant at the University of Pittsburgh and as a Housing Counselor with the Urban League of Pittsburgh. In each role, Carolyn demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

She later concluded her professional career in caregiving, a fitting reflection of the compassionate spirit and servant’s heart that defined so much of her life.

Carolyn possessed an undeniable passion for the legal profession. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies from Point Park College, further strengthening the knowledge and expertise she had acquired throughout her career.

Those who knew Carolyn understood that the law held a special place in her heart. It was often said that law was her first love. Rarely would one find Carolyn without a case file, legal brief, or important document nearby. She possessed an extraordinary ability to analyze information, interpret complex legal matters, and advocate with conviction and confidence.

In her latter years, her greatest priorities were being a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a faithful servant of God. Though her professional achievements were many, Carolyn’s most treasured accomplishments were found in the lives she nurtured, the family she cherished, and the faith she faithfully lived.

A Woman of Unwavering Faith and Faithful Service

Carolyn’s life was deeply rooted in her faith in God. Raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord, she developed a strong spiritual foundation at an early age, one that would guide her throughout every season of her life.

Her Christian journey began at Gethsemane Church of God in Christ in Clairton, Pennsylvania, under the leadership of Pastor Alexander McClean. It was there that the seeds of faith, service, and devotion were planted in her heart.

Following her family’s relocation to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carolyn continued her spiritual development at Bible Center Church of God in Christ, founded and pastored by her grandfather, Pastor Ralph Groce Sr., alongside her grandmother, State Supervisor Bernice Groce.

Surrounded by a rich legacy of spiritual leadership, Carolyn faithfully served in various ministries and capacities. Through these experiences, her understanding of God’s Word deepened, her spiritual gifts developed, and her commitment to Christian service continued to flourish.

Her spiritual journey later led her to Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Loran E. Mann, former Prelate of the Vermont Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and General Board Member, and Pastor Barbara Mann, Pastor Pentecostal Temple COGIC.

It was there that Carolyn faithfully served as an Evangelist Missionary, embracing her divine calling to minister, encourage, uplift, and serve the people of God. She understood that ministry extended far beyond the walls of the church and that a life dedicated to Christ was demonstrated through compassion, faithfulness, and service to others.

Upon relocating to Houston, Texas, Carolyn united with Citadel House of Hope Church of God in Christ, where she served in the honored capacity of Church Mother. In this role, she continued to exemplify spiritual maturity, wisdom, strength, and a steadfast commitment to the work of the Lord.

Carolyn was not simply a woman who professed faith; she was a woman who endeavored to live her faith. Her Christian walk was a testimony of perseverance, dedication, and an enduring trust in God.

Through life’s triumphs and trials, she remained anchored in the faith that had sustained her from childhood. Her life reflected the words of the Apostle Paul, for she had fought a good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith.

Those Who Preceded Her in Death

Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald S. Crowe Sr.; her father, Ralph Groce Jr.; her biological mother, Leutisha Buckman; her paternal grandparents, Pastor Ralph Groce Sr. and Supervisor Bernice Groce; her maternal grandparents, Elisha Buckman and Bernice Buckman; and her beloved uncles, Alvin Groce and John Wallace Sr.

Although these loved ones departed this earthly life before her, the love they shared, the lessons they imparted, and the memories they created remained treasured parts of Carolyn’s life and legacy.

A Legacy of Love: Those Who Remain to Cherish Her Memory

Carolyn’s greatest earthly treasures were her family and the countless relationships she cultivated throughout her lifetime. Her love extended across generations, geographical distances, and family ties, leaving an enduring imprint upon the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving mother, Elizabeth Groce of Long Island, New York; her devoted son, Ronald S. Crowe Jr. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; her loving daughter, Tarryn Harris, and her beloved son-in-law, James Harris, both of Houston, Texas.

Carolyn was an immensely proud and loving grandmother to Camri Crowe and Alijah Crowe of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Isaiah Crowe and Aniah Crowe of Los Angeles, California; and Jordyn Anderson of Greensboro, North Carolina.

Her love and legacy extend into yet another generation through her precious great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Jasmine, Andrew, and Sundae, each of whom brought special joy and meaning to her life.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her beloved siblings: Ralph Groce III (Valerie) of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania; Marc Anthony Groce (Laverne) of Long Island, New York; Debra Schumacher (Scott) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Michelle Jenkins of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Betty Wallace of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Maxine Groce of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her beloved nephew and his wife, Tyrone and Margaret Self, Makalia, Sabrina who held a special place in her heart and family.

Among those holding a special place in her heart were her beloved cousins, Harold and Paulette Smith of Los Angeles, California.

Carolyn believed that love was not limited by bloodlines. Her heart was generous, her affection was genuine, and her family extended far beyond traditional relationships.

She lovingly embraced her bonus grandchildren, James, Naomi, John, Michelle, Brianna, Meira, Mia, Milana, and Mena, each of whom occupied a special place in her heart and was embraced with the warmth and affection of a grandmother’s love.

She also leaves behind her cherished godchildren, Michele, Stacey, Angie, and Eric, whose lives she touched through her love, guidance, and encouragement.

Carolyn shared treasured friendships with many, including her dear friends Geraldine Williams and Debra Higgins, whose love and companionship enriched her life.

Her memory will also be cherished by the Stanfield, Sadler, Lamar, Porter, Pitt, Tucker, and Higgins families, along with Ms. Emily, Ms. Mandy, and their families.

Additionally, she leaves a host of beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her presence.

Each relationship represented another thread in the beautiful tapestry of Carolyn’s life, a life woven together by love, faith, loyalty, generosity, and cherished memories.