SALUTE TO MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTES: Mid-South graduate student Kayla Crawford credits her mother's 'legacy of living for Christ' for their close-knit, God-centered bond

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed. her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (Proverbs 31:26-31)

THEY TWINNIN’ MANE

**TRAINING HER UP —** In kicking off Making Headline News’ 2021 Salute To Mother’s Day Tributes, Memphian Kayla Crawford deemed it essential to take a stroll down memory lane, during which the Mid-South-area graduate student offered a variety of praises while fortifying her keen gratitude to her beloved mother, Evelyn Crawford.

LANCASTER, Texas — Although she’s perhaps a few inches shorter, Kayla E. Crawford essentially is the spitting image of her mother, Evelyn J. Crawford.

Clearly, it’s a favorable compliment by which she’s heard people utter literally her entire life.

Given the close-knit relationship Crawford and her mother have assembled throughout the years, it’s safe to assume such notable comparisons between the two is a trend she fully welcomes.

In kicking off Making Headline News’ 2021 Salute To Mother’s Day Tributes, Crawford deemed it essential to take a stroll down memory lane, during which the Mid-South-area graduate student offered a variety of praises while fortifying her keen gratitude to her beloved mother.

“The (single) most underlying thing my mother has done to impact my life is show her support,” Crawford told MHN. “No matter what the situation was, my mother (has been) there for me. Even if she doesn’t like what I’m doing, she still shows she cares. If no one else is there for me, my mother is there cheering me to the finish line.”

Such undoubtedly was the case in August 2018 when Crawford completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Memphis, becoming the third member of her family to earn a diploma from a major university, a feat the then-Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority neophyte had accomplished after having amassed a cumulative grade point average of 3.25.

The 25-year-old Crawford’s grandest milestone to date at the time, such an achievement was accompanied by an array of mixed emotions.

**NEVER FORGET TO REMEMBER —** As Mother’s Day 2021 looms, amongst the things of which Kayla Crawford aspires to remain guilty is steadfastly carrying out her mom’s distinctly unique legacy, particularly while God is blessing her daily to see — and love on — the woman whom many say is her spitting image.

That’s because approximately 24 hours before the U of M’s summer commencement exercises, Crawford and her family attended a memorial service for her only sibling, Danielle Crawford, who passed away at 35 years of age after attempts to acquire a much-needed heart transplant were unsuccessful.

While it is a foregone conclusion that Kayla Crawford will forever cherish her sister’s memories, it seems the bond between she and her mother, meanwhile, has become even sturdier, for the most part.

THE PROVERBS 22:6 AFFECT

**ASSUMING THE MIND OF CHRIST —** “Besides looking just like her, I try my best to pick up the pieces she leaves in life,” Kayla Crawford said. “My mother carries a strong legacy of living for Christ. I am presently carrying her legacy because I see myself honoring God in ways I never thought I would. My mom is saved and loves the Lord with everything. She is always leading others to Christ, and I plan to carry on that legacy as well.”

During Crawford’s recent surprise marriage proposal by her longtime boyfriend, LaDarrius Goodman, for instance, Evelyn Crawford was amongst the first well-wishers who wasted little time posing for photos with her daughter, while simultaneously flashing the engagement ring hand gesture.

Like mother, like daughter.

Like daughter, like mother.

In no particular order, of course.

“My mother’s personality is very different” said Kayla Crawford, whose wedding is October 23. “What stands out the most above others is her strong mind. She is very capable of holding her own.”

On the other hand, her daughter jokingly suggested, “My mother is nice, but she’ll remind you why her name is Evelyn Crawford.”

As Mother’s Day 2021 looms, amongst the things of which Kayla Crawford aspires to remain guilty is steadfastly carrying out her mom’s distinctly unique legacy, particularly while God is blessing her daily to see — and love on — the woman whom many say is her spitting image.

Never mind she’s perhaps a few inches shorter.

“Besides looking just like her, I try my best to pick up the pieces she leaves in life,” Kayla Crawford said. “My mother carries a strong legacy of living for Christ. I am presently carrying her legacy because I see myself honoring God in ways I never thought I would. My mom is saved and loves the Lord with everything. She is always leading others to Christ, and I plan to carry on that legacy as well.”

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**VIRTUALLY INSEPARABLE —** “The (single) most underlying thing my mother has done to impact my life is show her support,” Crawford told MHN. “No matter what the situation was, my mother (has been) there for me. Even if she doesn’t like what I’m doing, she still shows she cares. If no one else is there for me, my mother is there cheering me to the finish line.”

KAYLA CRAWFORD’S OPEN LETTER TO HER MOTHER

I am so honored to be your daughter, and I’m thankful God made you my mother. You have inspired me in many ways and still inspire me every day. Whenever I am feeling down or just don’t have the answer, you’re always right on time. My life would be incomplete without you by my side. I don’t ask for much, but whenever I need something, you make sure to get it done. I admire the strong wife you are to my dad. He’s lucky to have someone like you. This chapter in my life has been SUPER challenging and, although the grace of God has kept me, you have kept me, too. Your encouragement, advice, love, and support daily keep me going. As I enter this new stage of life of becoming a wife, I just want to tell you thank you. Thank you for teaching me everything I need to know from cooking, cleaning, listening, praying for my husband/marriage…But most of all, keeping God first in everything I do. If I don’t remember anything else you’ve taught me, I know to always remember God. You are my mother first, but best friend always. I got your back no matter what. I love you and Happy Mothers’ Day.

Your twin,

Kayla J

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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.