Elizabeth Perdue

Elizabeth Perdue, 92, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2020. She was born October 21, 1927 in Birmingham, Alabama to Carrie Dale Brown and John Edward Crawford. She spent her childhood in Tampa, Florida where she attended catholic and public schools. When she was 14 years old, Elizabeth and her brother Thomas, moved to Cleveland with their family. In 1947, she graduated from Central High School in Cleveland where she excelled in typing, book- keeping and sewing. Young Elizabeth took classes at the Chicago School of Dress Design and worked as a seamstress and an assistant to a dress designer for a clothing manufacturer for several years. She continued her education, studying Income Tax Law and Accounting at Cuyahoga Community College. In 1955, after passing the Civil Service Exam and she became employed in the Legal Department of the IRS. She retired after working for 30 years at the Internal Revenue Service in Cleveland as a Revenue Auditor.

Elizabeth and James E. Perdue were married on March 19, 1949. They had met after an introduction by a family member and enjoyed 71 years of marriage. In 1967, the couple built their own home in Orange Village. Liz and James traveled the world together, enjoying over 14 cruises and visiting six of the seven continents. Favorite destinations included the Hawaiian Islands and fishing trips to Canada. Liz and James enjoyed many vacations and holidays with James’ brother and sister-in-law Peter and Beatrice Perdue. They particularly enjoyed a trip together to the Montreal World’s Fair in 1967.

Shortly after moving to Cleveland, Elizabeth professed her faith in Christ and was Baptized at Cedar Avenue Christian Church. In 1969, Elizabeth and James became members of Heights Christian Church. Elizabeth was an active participant in church life and leadership. She was a member of the Choir, President of the Christian Women's Fellowship, Chair of the Holiday Fair, member of the Board of Trustees, Chair of the Deacons, and was an Elder Emeritus. She managed the Thrift Shop for over 20 years.

Elizabeth was active in her community. She served on the Board of Trustees of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland Guild also serving as President. She was on the Adult Education Advisor Council , Treasurer, Friends of Cleveland Adult Education, and a member of The Orange Historical Society. She enjoyed membership in a Book Circle and a Bridge Circle and The Wives and Husbands Club (WIHUB).

As an accomplished seamstress, Elizabeth expertly crafted for herself and others, detailed dresses, gowns and tailored suits. She had a coordinating purse and shoe collection that completed her custom looks. Liz enjoyed playing Bridge, Poker, Black Jack, and the occasional casino outing.

Practical, organized, and dedicated, Elizabeth gave countless hours caring for members of her family. She had a quick wit, quiet voice and steady demeanor and was well known as a gracious and giving person. For many years, she managed the care of her Uncle James Arthur Brown, helped her brother Thomas and was caretaker to her mother. Elizabeth

(Liz or Aunt Liz to those who loved her) will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Crawford and is survived by her loving husband, James E. Perdue, sisters-in-law Bessie L. Johnson, Annie J. Poe and M. Beatrice Perdue, brother-in-law CAPT Peter L. Perdue, USNR, Ret., and a host of nieces and nephews.

James Perdue would like to recognize and thank those who supported him and Elizabeth during the final days of her life, especially her nephew and niece, Lawrence Crawford, MD and Jennifer Crawford, MD, who provided helpful medical advice and information regarding her condition.

The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in her name to Heights Christian Church's Building Fund, 17300 Van Aken Blvd, Shaker Hts., OH 44120.  A private family entombment service will be held on Saturday, August 1 at 11am.  Friends may view the service via live stream on this webpage, below.