Veronica Penelope "Penny" Phillips Crawley, daughter of the late Claude Dudley, Sr. and Joanne Connor Phillips, was called home to be with our Lord and Savior, suddenly from a critical illness, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at the University of Virginia Medical Center. Penny was born on June 16, 1963 in Charlottesville, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her brother, Samuel D. Phillips; sister, Deborah P. Bright; brother-in-law Sylvester R. Bright; niece Samone D. Phillips; nephews Tyson L. Phillips, Terrence L. Phillips, Cory R. Bright, Sr., Coty S. Bright, and Donovan J. Watkins (honorary).

At an early age, Penny attended Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Dyke, Virginia. After moving to Richmond as a young adult, she joined Antioch Baptist Church in the Varina district of Henrico County, Virginia. She affirmed her faith and belief in our Lord and Savior by being baptized. While a member of Antioch Baptist Church, Penny was active in many ministries, including the Women's and Missionary ministries. After moving back to Charlottesville, Penny joined Mount Zion Baptist Church. She served as assistant clerk, was a Trustee, and was a member of the Kitchen ministry.

Penny was educated in the Albemarle County Public School system. She attended and graduated from Albemarle High School. While there, she was a member of the Rifle Squad and several other clubs. After graduating, she attended George Mason University. Later in life, Penny attended John Tyler Community College, where she studied early childhood development.

Penny's employment included working in the mortgage departments of Crestar and Suntrust banks. The Richmond Public School system later employed Penny in their Head Start program. After moving back to Charlottesville, Penny was employed by Home Instead as a caregiver. At the time of her death, Penny was employed by Albemarle County Public School system as an EDEP Registrar.

Penny was an avid animal lover from early childhood to the day God dispatched her home. While living in Richmond, her family and friends called her home the Animal Farm. During this time, Penny and her daughter Dominique had 6 dogs, 7 cats, 2 cockatiels, 2 rabbits, 2 turtles, 2 guinea pigs, and a betta fish. Penny was a collector of Snoopy memorabilia all her life. Penny loved to bake, specializing in her famous rum cake, along with other sweet treats and desserts. Penny loved bargain shopping, always looking for that perfect deal, including estate and yard sales, and antiquing. As an avid reader, Penny loved to immerse herself in a good mystery novel. Throughout her life, Penny traveled to many various and interesting places. Last, but not least, Penny was a binge watcher of her favorite TV shows and movies.

As a loving mother to Dominique, whom she referred to as Scooby, Poopsie, and Dom, she loved her dearly and protected her fiercely. Wherever Penny was, her Scooby wasn't too far behind her, almost attached to her hip. Penny's love for Dominique will forever be embedded in the heart of her daughter. As it is written, Penny's life was full, well lived, and well done.

Penny leaves behind to cherish her memory, daughter Dominique A. Crowley; a devoted sister, Gloria E. Linton (Allan); and one brother, Claude D. "Terry" Phillips, Jr.; nieces Teresa I. Phillips and Claudia F. Linton; nephews Keith G. Balmer (Melissa), Glenn A. Collins Jr., and Connor A. Linton; her mother-in-law, Arlean V. Crawley; sisters-in-law LaVerne W. Phillips and Brenda W. Walker (devoted); god-daughters India W. Cheeks and Cierra Bracey, and a host of great-nieces and nephews. Also devoted friends Queena H. Thompson, Dawn G. Williams, Brett Pringle, Roslyn B. Chapman, Jeannette James, her beloved dog, Lucy, and many other relatives and friends.

Submitted by Sam Clarke.