On Thursday evening, May 23, 2019, the heavy burden of this world was lifted from the

shoulders of Crystal Cherise Geathers and the angels of the Heavenly Host led her to eternal rest

and peace. She passed away at home with her family surrounding her with love.

Crystal was born on April 28, 1985 in Baltimore, Maryland to Crystal

Ford- Ball and Leslie Geathers. She had a loving and dedicated stepdad, David Ball, who helped

raise her from a very young age. Crystal is the eldest sister of Brittany, David and Leslie.

Little Crissy" or "Minnie" .as she was known to most, was engaged to Ned Columbus Ward

(preceding her in death). She loved Ned tremendously. They had three children; twin girls- Onethia

(preceding her in death) and Olivia and baby boy Leviticus.

She accepted Christ at the age of thirteen and was baptized at First Emmanuel Baptist

Church under the auspices of Rev. Eugene Belcher. Minnie graduated from Harbor City High School

and she attended Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)-Baitimore and Owings Mills campuses.

Many would consider Little Crissy a lifelong learner because she was always enrolled in school. She

was just recently enrolled in a course. She would alternate majors or courses from Nursing to

Computer Technology. Minnie did receive a certificate related in the nursing/ medical field. How-

ever, her passion was Auto Mechanics. Minnie and Ned had a small auto repair business together.

She worked closely with Ned and he nurtured their relationship as a team. Ned was in charge of

the repairs and she was in charge of the administrative details; ordering parts - she knew where to

get the parts and who to call. Minnie was very knowledgeable about auto mechanics, which was

evident when she assisted with the auto repairs. She could pull motors and transmissions and

often diagnosed and advised family members on how to repair their cars.

Crystal was a loving, unique and private person, who had a take charge demeanor.

She would not waiver if she thought what she felt made sense. She was very funny,

meticulous and organized. Early in life, Minnie learned how to deal with her mental

health challenges, and she lived a normal, loving, clean life. She turned her challenges

into her experiences. Minnie kept her circle small and she gravitated towards good

spirited people, but if you faltered, she did believe in redemption. Minnie was an

advocate for her community, especially about "clean-up" issues. She was well known at

her community association meetings because she would express her concerns and just in

case it was not heard or no action was taken, Minnie would repeat the same concern

week after week. As an activist for her community, she would give 100% and for anything

else that she really cared about. She was dedicated to attending all community meetings

at the library because she wanted assurance that her vote was counted.

Minnie always felt in charge, even outside of the immediate family. Once during a

funeral, someone fainted on the fioor. Minnie parted the crowd like The Red Sea, yelling

"back-up" back-up, I'm a nurse, she needs water."

Her certificate really made her feel empowered.

Minnie loved her family dearly. She would battle them all, but that was a by pro-

duct of that take charge demeanor. She cherished the time that she shared with her kids,

Olivia and Levi. Of course, she would shop all of the time for them, especially Levi. A

special thanks to Ned's daughter, Aisha McRae (Blue) for the love nest that she provides.

Minnie had a very loving relationship with her mother, who was there for her regardless

of the situation. Minnie treasured her mother and stepdad-David; he was truly her

protector. Minnie did not escape the sibling rivalry with Brittany and Lil David, but as

they matured, the love and respect for each other cancelled the rivalries. David was the

younger brother who protected his big sister, just like his dad.

Minnie loved her grandmothers-alma and Dorothy. She lived briefly with her

grandmother, alma in South Carolina and sometimes she would call her "mommy."

Minnie would call her Aunt Ava and talk, and talk, and talk ... the one thing that everyone

would agree on, is that Minnie loved to talk. Especially to her mother, O'rna, Ava and

Uncle Dwayne and alma would say, "you need more than a grain of salt - you need a

box of salt to listen to Minnie." She loved being around her grandfathers, Gampi and

Granddaddy Levi. Later in life, Minnie had a closer relationship with her Father and

Sister Leslie.

She loved Reggae music, concerts, Horseshoe Casino, shopping,

and comedy videos. Minnie was especially gung-ho about the Ravens

football team. She didn't miss a game. She collected so much Ravens'

memorabilia -enough to start her own store. Minnie also enjoyed

babysitting her nieces and assisting with Ned Jr. after he became ill.

Minnie was always clear and remained steadfast on her decisions and didn't allow

the emotions of others to interfere. She was strong and positive throughout her illness.

Crystal, Lil Crissy, or Minnie, wanted to comfort others and didn't want to see the tears.

Still Taking Charge. We rejoice in the opportunity of having been a kind part of Minnie's

life and the reassurance that we shall see her again.

Crystal will be sincerely missed by every-

who knew her, but the memory of her

one

and warm spirit will remain. She was preceded in death by her precious twin daughter,

Onethia Ward; her loving fiance, Ned Columbus Ward; her wonderful grandfathers,

Dwayne G. Ford and Levi Butts; and her Aunt Bridgette Geathers.

To cherish her memory are her sweet children, Olivia and Leviticus Ward; her loving

and devoted parents, Crystal Ford-Ball and David Ball; her father Leslie Geathers and step-

mother Rosalind Geathers; siblings Brittany and David Ball, and Leslie Geathers; loving

grandparents Deloris Ford-(O'ma) and Dorothy Geathers; stepsisters, Lauriche Taylor &

Lanette Johnson; stepbrother- Troy Proctor; Several very special aunts- Ava "Beckv" Dillard

and Alice Hicks, Stephanie Poplar, Yolanda Geathers, Valerie Ball, Shelly Jones, Wanda

Commander; uncles, Dwayne Ford Jr., (Stephanie) Kim Dillard, Kenneth Geathers, Eugene

Ball, Kevin Higgins and Michael Ball; nieces, Mi'kel , London and Lauren, many close cous-

ins, Kory, Erica, Ebony, Destiny, Lil Dwayne, Julian and Jasmine; and a host of other special

family members and friends.