Eva Mae Crawford Spurling was born in Albany, Georgia on August 26, 1936.  She was the beloved daughter of the late Henry Crawford and Lula Bell (Ulysses) Whitaker.

She was educated in the Dougherty County School System, graduating from Monroe High School in 1954.  Eva was an inquisitive and very zealous student who excelled academically, played on the basketball team, and was actively involved in numerous student-centered activities and events.  She had a beautiful inner strength that made her a favorite among teachers, classmates, and close friends.

Very early in life, Eva accepted Christ as her Savior and united with Arcadia Missionary Baptist Church.  For more than 60 years, she served the Lord with her whole heart and never wavered in her commitment to service.  She was a faithful member of the choir where she utilized her rich melodious voice to minister in song.  Yes, she gave her all to the Glory of God!

She was joined in holy matrimony to Alfred Spurling, Jr. who preceded her  in death.

Eva was an exceptionally outgoing person who was never idle.  She had a servant's heart and always stood ready to help others or lend a listening ear.  Many people considered her a trusted counsel and a difference maker whose doors were always open.  She enjoyed watching football, playing spades, and was always seen with a word find book—even until the end.  Eva was also blessed with a green thumb, a "midas" touch, for she dearly loved her plants and it appeared that the plants loved her in return.

On October 24, 2024, Eva quietly transitioned from this earthly life while in hospice at Pruitt Nursing Home.  She was a beacon of light in the lives of all who knew and loved her.  In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by two sons, Timothy James Crawford and Alfred Spurling, III; and her brother, Ulysses Whitaker, Jr.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by her daughters, Valerie (Kasey, Jr.) Kirland of Albany, GA, Dayle (Elton, Sr.) Edwards of Raeford, NC, and Dorothy Spurling of Albany, GA; her sister, Troylene Akel of Navarre, FL; a myriad of grandchildren and great grandchildren; one nephew; a devoted bonus sister and friend, Gwendolyn Barber; very special friends from North Carolina, Melvin and Dorothy Johnson; and a loving and devoted cousin, Paula Davis.