Edna Whited Crickenberger

Edna Whited Crickenberger went to join her loved ones in the heavenly kingdom in the early morning hours of December 28, 2015, with her daughter, Deana, and granddaughter, Summer, by her side until the end.
This was her life – my mother was an amazingly strong woman. Born in the mountains of West Virginia in 1921 to two loving parents, Tom and Della Mae Pettry. She was the second oldest of eight children, this gave her many responsibilities in helping with the household.
The family did not have much, as one year she was given a Christmas present of a sweater to share with oldest sister and best friend, Rosie. She often talked of those times saying, “we were poor, but everyone else was too, so we didn’t know any difference.” I don’t believe she would have changed a time from her childhood, except perhaps polishing her grandmother’s brass bed!
She met and married the love of her life, Garvin Doddridge Whited (nickname “Shorty”) at age 17. With $50 in their pockets, they set up housekeeping. Along came their first born, Jerry, and within a few years they moved to Baltimore, MD. He went from nothing to owning the largest independent grocery store on the east coast. He never would have accomplished that success without a strong woman beside him. Along the way, Larry, Frank, and I were born.
With success also came heartbreak as Frank passed away at age 9, and life for our family was never the same. Mother, with her quiet faith, carried on, while my father seemed to lose his drive for the business.
Taking early retirement in his mid-40’s, they moved to “Hawkwood Farm,” in the Green Springs Valley of Virginia. Father’s health declined and mother once again held strong.
Health concerns forced the sale of their beloved “Hawkwood,” all 403 acres. They settled in the Crozet area. She was still a young woman when my father passed away. Once again she held strong.
Never having worked, she was determined to carry on and started working at C.H. Williams, and truly loved it!
Sadly, mother lost her two remaining sons, Larry and Jerry, during this time.
At age 77, she married Bob Crickenberger. In 2012, at age 91, she was diagnosed with cancer and fought a courageous battle. She was determined to celebrate her 94th birthday, Christmas, and to see her new great-grandson. Mother accomplished her goals and passed away three days later. She leaves behind her siblings, Johnny, Joe, and Betty. In addition, her daughter, Deana, six grandchildren, Debbie, Sherry, Nick, Sarah, Summer, and Brandt, along with six great-grandchildren, Christopher, Jared, Jessie, Riley, Cooper, and Bishop.
She also leaves behind, from her second marriage, Bob Crickenberger, step-children, Robert “Bob” and Donna; step-grandchildren, Robert, Benton, and Kate.
This was her life’s story written from my heart with great pride. We will honor her memory, I remain, Deana Whited DeRaimo.
Special thanks to Dr. Mark Prichard and his staff. Also, Hospice of the Piedmont team members, Barbara, Marissa, Megan, Lisa, and Erminia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911 or Crozet United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 70, Crozet, VA 22932. Services will be private. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .