Patsy Wells Crowder

Patsy Wells Crowder, 78, passed away on Thursday, July 30,2025 surrounded by her family at St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, her warmth, humor, and unwavering kindness left a mark on those who had the privilege to know her. She had an extraordinary gift for listening and caring for others through her empathetic nature and compassionate spirit.

Patsy was born on November 4,1946 in Petersburg, VA, to Mary Ophelia Wells and Carson Almont Wells. She graduated from Petersburg High School where she met John W. Crowder, III and eventually married her high school sweetheart. They moved to Colonial Heights shortly after marrying where they raised two children.

Patsy and Johnny built a life filled with laughter, love and deep friendship. Patsy was a devoted mother to her two children Angela and Jody, an adoring mother-in-law to their spouses, Scott and Angela and a proud grandmother to her beloved Mary-Sophia. She also spent decades by her husband’s side building and managing property. She was a member of Richmond’s First Baptist Church.

Patsy is survived by her loving children, Angela Crowder VanWagner (Scott), John W. Crowder, IV (Angela), grandchild Mary-Sophia VanWagner and her brother Michael Almont Wells.

A memorial service will be held at 11am, Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in the Chapel at Richmond’s First Baptist Church, located at 2709 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220. The family will receive friends at 10am prior to the service in the Adam’s Room. Parking information: https://fbcrichmond.org/about/location-parking/

Arrangements are by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Patsy’s name to the Lupus Foundation, lupus.org.