Naomi Lee (Ernst) Crowell

Naomi Lee Ernst Crowell, age 86 of Centralia, Illinois, went to Heaven to be with her Savior at 7:24 P.M. on  May 26, 2020, with her loving family by her side.  She was born on December 11, 1933, in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Gaustav August and Ruby Fern (Schneider) Ernst.  She married Reverend Denny Crowell on August 8, 1958 in Centralia, Illinois and they later divorced.

Naomi is survived by her children, Torey Crowell and spouse Connie Colter of Centralia, Illinois, Tammy Donnelly and husband Pete of Centralia, Illinois, Tim Crowell of Centralia, Illinois and Rob Crowell of Centralia, Illinois; grandchildren, Amy Holtkamp and husband Ben, Megan Warden and husband Josh, Nicole Taylor and special friend Wesley Scogin, Abigeial Crowell and Lexi Crowell; great-grandchildren, Addison Warden, Bryden Holtkamp, Havlynn Warden and Ainsley Holtkamp and brother, Carroll Ernst and wife Laura of Marietta, Georgia.

Naomi was preceded in death by her parents and many friends.

Naomi was a long-time member of Eternity Baptist Church in Centralia, Illinois, where she was much loved by her church family and Sunday school class. She served as the Sunday school director and started both the Hispanic ministry and Clothing ministry.  Naomi loved gardening, traveling and working with the missions. She valued education and was a faithful Christian who loved God above all else.  She was never afraid to share her love for Him.  She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her kids and grandchildren.

Naomi graduated with Centralia Township High School’s “Class of 1949.”  After high school, she graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a Bachelor’s degree in Education.  She taught 5^th grade for 25 years at Willow Grove School in Centralia, Illinois and after her retirement in 1995, she was a substitute teacher for 20 years.  In 2012, Naomi received the Spot Light on Service Award for her outstanding service as a volunteer literacy tutor.

Naomi will be sadly missed by her church friends, the foreign immigrants, and all her family and close friends that were blessed by her friendship and love.

Private Family Celebration of Life Services for Ms. Naomi Lee Ernst Crowell will be held with Pastor Karl Barnfield and Pastor Leland Redfern officiating.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois.  As a result of current national health circumstances, friends are invited to join with Ms. Crowell’s family via Live Stream at www.moranfuneralhome.net on her obituary page at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 30, 2020. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ms. Crowell’s honor to Missionaries of Eternity Baptist Church and will be received by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home at 134 South Elm Street in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Ms. Crowell’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

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