Maria Yetta Crowder

Maria Yetta “Ria” Crowder was born on July 21, 1972, to Arthur James Crowder Sr. and Marie Ann Crowder. She completed her education at Daingerfield High School, graduating with the Class of 1990. In her younger years, Maria joined the Staretts Drill Team, led by the late Doris Rouse, where she showcased her talents in twirling and marching and earned numerous accolades. Throughout high school, she was an active member of the Daingerfield High School Marching Band for four years. Maria furthered her education at Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant, Texas, where she earned an associate degree in business. As she continued her journey, she joyfully welcomed two daughters, Jessica Elaine and Shakia Desirae Marie Crowder.

Maria accepted Christ at a young age and remained a devoted member of Shady Grove Christian Church in Cason, Texas. After relocating to Dallas, she became a part of Bonnie View Christian Church until she answered her heavenly call on January 3, 2025.

Professionally, she worked at Ameri Source Bergen for several years. Maria had a passion for attending church, fishing, enjoying music, and spending quality time with her family. Her nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart, and she loved them as if they were her own children. During family gatherings, it was a common sight to find Maria posing for pictures alongside her sister Londa and her first cousin Tessie Mae, as their bond was incredibly strong—like a “thicker than thieves” connection, their love was “tighter than vice grips,” showcasing an unbreakable relationship.

Maria was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Crowder Sr., as well as her paternal grandparents, Clyde Sr. and Flora Crowder, and her maternal grandparents, Tom Evans and Maurine Taylor. She also mourned the loss of two nieces, Ja’Misha Crowder and Kianna Crowder.

Her memory will be cherished by her mother, Marie Ann Crowder of Cason, Texas; her daughters, Jessica Crowder of Dallas, Texas, and Shakia Crowder of Cason, Texas; her brothers, Arthur Crowder Jr. of Arlington, Texas, and Andre (Debora) Crowder of Tyler, Texas; her sister, Yolanda Watson of Tyler, Texas; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends, including Teresa (Traylor) Duffey of Longview, Texas, Roseland Moore of Dallas, Texas, and Cynthia (Turner) Starnes of Gilmer, Texas.

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