Franklyn Rita Crawford was born in Andrews, SC on May 24, 1943. She transitioned on September 13, 2018 at the age of 75, at Shady Grove Hospital, in Rockville, Maryland. Rita, as she was known to family and friends, lived in the Washington metropolitan area for most of her life. She was the eldest daughter of the late Frank and Beulah Lee Crawford. Rita earned her high school diploma from Dunbar High School, in Washington, DC in 1960. Shortly following her graduation, she met and married Herbert Taft McKoy. Together they raised 14 children, four of which she gave birth. In 1982, she married Edward Prendergast and moved to Jamaica where she lived for three years.

Rita loved her family and friends, but most of all she loved the Lord! Rita was an ordained Pastor at The Church of the Great Commission and Hope for Life Ministries. She also served as Bishop at Abundant Faith International Ministries, Inc. She was a baptized believer, sanctified, filled with the Holy Ghost, strong witness for the Lord.  Rita was a loving, caring, nurturing, encouraging, mother of Zion, not only to her family but a pillar to the entire body of Christ. Rita loved everyone and touched many lives that crossed her path.

Throughout her career, Rita held various positions, including a cook at the Wipper Home for Girls, and an administrative assistant at George Washington University. She found her niche as a teacher until her retirement from Takoma Elementary School in Washington, DC. In retirement, Rita continued to impact the lives of our precious young people by becoming a licensed day-care provider with her daughter, Vernesa.

Rita leaves to cherish in memory children; Anthony (Glenis), Vernesa, Vincent, Keith, Herbert (Mae), William, Jane O'Sullivan (Kenneth), Shirley Flemister (Michael), Delores Rushing (Alfonso), Alicie Callaham (Rufus), Eunice Washington (Rodney), and Bruce (Michelle); sisters Brenda, Stephanie, and Denise Crawford; and brother Booker T. Crawford (Robin), best friend Isadoria Dyson, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren who lovingly called her granny, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Rita was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Beulah Crawford, husband Herbert, brothers Frank (Jermaine), Randolph (Faye); daughter Michelle McKoy and Peggy Pearson; sons-in-law Robert Brooks Jr, Kenneth O'Sullivan, Michael Flemister, Rodney Washington,Wendell McElroy and grandson David Callaham.