Lauretta Altony

Cottrell Crawley

Lauretta Altony Cottrell Crawley, 75, of Richmond, Virginia, peacefully transitioned from this life on November 23, 2025, surrounded by the profound love of her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and beloved pillar of the community, Lauretta lived a life rooted deeply in faith, service, and the unwavering belief in the power and promise of family. Her warmth, generosity, kindness, and joyful spirit touched countless lives across generations.

Born on July 30, 1950, in Richmond, Virginia, to the late Altony Wilhemina Trimiew Cottrell and Lawrence Runadia Cottrell, Lauretta's early years were shaped by the close-knit community of Historic Navy Hill, where she and her family were active members of Fifth Street Baptist Church. Her upbringing reflected the entrepreneurial legacy of the Cottrell family, who owned the beloved Charlie's Confectionary near Historic Second Street, a business displaced during the construction of the I-95 highway project. The Cottrell family later relocated to Church Hill, where they continued their legacy of community leadership through the neighborhood gathering place O.B.'s Grill, located at 703 N. 25th Street, a well known bar and grill remembered fondly by many. These environments of community, faith, and entrepreneurship shaped Lauretta's foundation and fueled her passion for service and excellence.

Lauretta was a proud graduate of Armstrong High School, Class of 1968, and went on to complete her Associates Degree in Radiology at the Medical College of Virginia now known as Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College of Radiology.

She began her professional journey at MCV, where she worked for 20 years before continuing her rise in the field of radiology. Lauretta made history as the first African American woman to hold the position as Section Chief of Radiology at Henrico Doctors' Hospital, where she pioneered x-ray techniques, advanced departmental procedures, and consistently raised record-breaking charitable funds. Her leadership, innovation, and compassion made her a respected figure within the medical community.

Beyond healthcare, Lauretta remained an influential presence in the Richmond business landscape. Alongside her husband, she helped manage operations and events for the family owned restaurant, Hawk's BBQ & Seafood, which operated locations throughout the region—including 6th Street Marketplace, Brookland Park Boulevard, Chamberlayne Avenue, Broad Street, Belt Boulevard, and Brook Road. She expertly orchestrated major outdoor catering event operations for Hawk's BBQ, including the Black Family Reunion, Million Man March, Afram Festival, Hampton Jazz Festival, Arts in the Park, and the iconic 2nd Street Festival.

Further expanding her professional reach, Lauretta served as Senior Associate in conference management and event planning with Cee's Unlimited and Associates, a respected conference and event management company serving Richmond, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and New York. She earned a certificate in Event Planning and Special Events and excelled in coordinating conferences, leading presentations, training junior associates, overseeing event logistics, and serving as onsite manager for high-profile events. Lauretta worked closely with CEOs, executive teams, and leaders from Whitehouse Correspondents, AmeriCorps, Xerox Corporation, IBM, Montgomery County Public Schools, NAFEO, numerous HBCUs, and various organizations across the East Coast.

One of the crowning moments of her event-planning career came when Cee's Unlimited & Associates was selected to coordinate and personally host Mrs. Coretta Scott King during a youth conference in Richmond. Lauretta, alongside the late Mrs. Mammie Kenny, wife of the Mayor of Richmond at that time, officially welcomed Mrs. King at the Richmond International Airport. Mrs. King immediately took a great liking to Lauretta and invited her to a private Sunday dinner in her penthouse suite at the Richmond Marriott. In a gesture reflective of her unmatched thoughtfulness, Lauretta brought her own Wedgewood china to set the table—an act that deeply touched and impressed Mrs. King. That evening, Lauretta sang In the Garden while Mrs. King played the piano. Mrs. King lovingly told her she had "a voice like an angel." Such gestures defined Lauretta—always going above and beyond while asking very little, if anything, in return.

Lauretta was a member of the American Business Women's Association and the Chamber of Commerce and was featured in the Washington Post and on Ingrid's World in Fairfax County, Virginia.

On February 28, 1976, Lauretta married the love of her life, Melvin Crawley, Sr. Together they built a strong and enduring foundation for their family, raising Cynthia McCall Crawley, Melvin Crawley Jr., and India Altony Crawley, and later welcoming the joys of her life—her grandchildren Melvin Crawley III and William Jerod Crawley-Hall III. She treasured every family gathering, especially those around the backyard pool. Lauretta loved to sing, cook, decorate, host, and uplift others. She cherished Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, where she lovingly prepared her signature duck, lamb, and prime rib. She was the heart and glue of her family, chairing family reunions, nurturing relationships, and serving as a steady presence of wisdom, guidance, and grace. She ensured her children and grandchildren were grounded in education, purpose, self-respect, and a strong foundation in Christ. She also shared a close familial bond with Suzette T. Dabney (niece), Navon Irving (cousin), Gordonette Trimiew (cousin), and Rosemary Cook Jacobs (Cousin) who compassionately accompanied her to medical appointments and offered unwavering support. Her love extended beyond bloodlines, forming lifelong bonds with Mrs. Cynthia Advani Marshall, her cherished friend of 50 years. Their sisterhood was remarkable and enduring.

Her faith was the anchor of her life. Lauretta worshiped faithfully at Jerusalem Holy Church, where she sang in the choir, as well as Tabernacle of Deliverance, Faith Landmarks, St. Paul's, and United Nations Church. Her service extended far beyond the church walls. She supported numerous charities, including most recently the Tysons Rotary Club's Annual 5K Race in McLean, Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Altony Cottrell, and her siblings, Oliver Tomlin, Dolores Pollard, and Barbara Washington.

Lauretta leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Melvin Crawley Sr.; three children, Cynthia McCall Crawley, Melvin Crawley Jr., and India Crawley; daughter-in-law, Sabrina Crawley; son-in-law, William Hall; grandchildren, Melvin Crawley III and William Jerod Crawley-Hall III; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and lifelong friends. A life of faith, excellence, leadership, service, and unconditional love—Lauretta's light will continue illuminating the paths of all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2025, followed by the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. in Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Funeral services will be held 12 noon Wednesday, December 3 at United Nations Church, 214 Cowardin Avenue. Interment Oakwood Cemetery.