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Great story !!!!!! Thanks Mrs. Crawford for the many lives you have changed and saved.
Even at age 92, Ruth Burton Crawford doesn't easily forget rural Hart County, picking cotton and living in Georgia's racially segregated society.
Although her legacy includes her role as founder of the Shiloh Comprehensive Community Center on 15th Street, Mrs. Crawford, a retired 30-year Richmond County schoolteacher, takes pride in having become an accomplished author.
She recently released her third book, Peace, Power and Purpose of Volunteering.
The compilation describes her 31 years of volunteering at the inner-city community center.
"There was no monetary reward. It's the peace that you get knowing you've helped somebody," she said. "It's a great power when you help somebody. I had a purpose: to get rid of drugs (in the neighborhood) and once that was accomplished, I had peace of mind."
In addition to being an author, Mrs. Crawford is a proud grandmother.
A week ago, she and other family members went to Houston to attend her grandson Marcus Crawford's graduation from Baylor University. There, she watched her grandson receive a medical degree. Two other grandchildren, Christina Crawford and George Crawford Jr., also have medical degrees.
For Mrs. Crawford, seeing her grandchildren's academic achievement represents the fruits of her labor.
"My parents (Jacob and Lizzie Burton) always believed in education," Mrs. Crawford said. "I came from a sharecropping background, but they believed if you could finish high school, then you could teach."
She remembers riding in a blue 1933 Buick when her father relocated their family from Hart County to Augusta. She attended Paine High School, then earned degrees from Paine College, Indiana University and Boston University.
Her husband, George Crawford Sr., died as a result of World War II injuries, she said.
But Mrs. Crawford's crowning glory involves her success as leader of the Shiloh Center she founded in 1977.
On a shoestring budget, she transformed a dilapidated orphanage into a successful community house that became a refuge for the lonely and elderly. It offers educational programs that help steer young people from the grips of drug abuse and despair. She retired as executive director a year ago.
Ed Maner, a local author and former Richmond County educator, is impressed with Mrs. Crawford's literary skills.
"Mrs. Crawford is a superior writer," Mr. Maner said. "All three of her books are impressive. She defines the true meaning of what an author should be. She's an inspiration for many of us."
Reach Timothy Cox at (706) 823-3217 or tim.cox@augustachronicle.com.
RUTH BURTON CRAWFORD
AGE: 92
OCCUPATION: Retired; founder of Shiloh Comprehensive Community Center; author of three books
BOOK TITLES: Woods Afire, published 1996; The Greatest Story Never Told, 2007; Peace, Power and Purpose of Volunteering, 2008
FAMILY: Son, George Crawford Jr. (wife, Dee); three grandchildren
CHURCH AFFILIATION: Williams Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church member for more than 50 years.
Comments
Great story !!!!!! Thanks Mrs. Crawford for the many lives you have changed and saved.
Thanks Mrs. Crawford you were one of my favorite teachers. It's truly a blessing knowing that she still lives in the same house, I use to walk past her house on the way to school, football and basketball games, parades, the fair that use to come there every year back in the day etc. But I didn't know until now she wrote 3 books I have got to get them. Enjoy your retirement Mrs. Crawford you earned it and will forever be a pillar in the Augusta community.
Mrs. Ruth Crawford practices what she preaches. I have known her to be an outstanding judge of character and a friend to everyone. An exceptional Paine College alumna, she is an excellent role model for all of us. To God be the Glory!
As a community, I think we should support Mrs. Crawford and purchase some of her books. I think this is the least we can do to should our appreciation for the many years of community service that she has provided.
Truly inspirational life! Thanks for articles such as this!
We both know personally the many talents of Mrs. Crawford. She is by far one of the most brilliant and brightest people we have had the pleasure of knowing. It is always a joy to be around Mrs. Crawford. We always learn so much from your knowledge of the past. We look to Mrs. Crawford as a relative (Mom) and we truly love her.
Too few like her. She sure has done a lot of good.
Now in retrospect, I call it divine intervention; Mrs. Crawford, Dr. Crawford and "Dee", each made a very positive impression on my life. I remember them fondly. The children were just children back in 1976. I do hope and pray that others will be inspired by the great legacy of this family. Continue to be blessed.
I'm asking the Augusta community to come together collectively and purchase 1000 of her books. Everyone may purchase a book or books of choice. Lets do this!
Thank you Ms. Crawford for all of your hard work and dedication to the community.
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