Melody Linette Crawford, 55, of Erwin, TN, died unexpectedly but peacefully on April 5,

2024, at Johnson City Medical Center surrounded by family.

A daughter of WC and the late Irma Blazer Crawford, Melody was a native of

Weaverville, NC, and a graduate of North Buncombe High School, where she served as

the first female president of the FFA. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

from Berea College, a Master of Animal Science from The University of Tennessee-

Knoxville, and an MBA from Montreat College. As a 1991 Thomas J Watson Fellow,

Melody studied international dairy practices abroad for a year. Although she visited

multiple countries, New Zealand was the primary location for her studies.

Melody was proudly employed with The Biltmore Estate for 29 years, most recently

serving several years as Director of Parking and Transportation. Her career path may

have changed direction, but she never lost her interest in agriculture and horticulture.

Farming was introduced to her through 4-H and the family farm, where she raised

goats, tobacco, and gardens. In recent years, she focused on backyard gardening and

raising chickens. Additional interests included camping, traveling, honing various crafts,

and making music.

A natural musician, she was an avid singer and fiddle player who got her start singing

hymns and Girl Scout songs with her mother and sisters. She was a member of both

informal and formal groups, including her college choir and a female a cappella quartet,

The Lady Slippers, at Berea College. Music played a significant role in her life, and

was the basis of many of her closest bonds. She preferred to make music with friends

and family rather than perform for a crowd.

In addition to her mother, Melody is preceded in death by her soulmate, Colleen

Trenwith; maternal grandparents, Bill and Ruby (Ruth) Blazer; paternal grandparents, Briscoe

Crawford and Mabel Green Crawford Ball Norton; and paternal bonus grandfathers

Virge Ball and Gus Norton.

Melody is survived by her father, WC Crawford; sisters, Suzette (Carroll) Bartlett and

Lydia (Will) Russell; and nephew, James Bartlett; and a host of beloved extended family

and friends. Melody's concept of family was not defined solely by biology, with

numerous chosen family members scattering the globe. In particular, she gained

motivation and encouragement to embrace each day through daily calls from Vicki

McGucken, Priscilla (Ned) Holbrook-Frazier, Beth Eaton, Paula (Brian) Wilber, and

especially Keith, Krista and Kaitlyn Corn.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday June 30, 2024 at 2:00 pm in Broyhill Chapel on the campus of Mars Hill University.

Blue Ridge Funeral Service will assist with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Melody's honor be made to the

charity of one's choice. Melody had a skillful green thumb; unfortunately her siblings do

not.